[Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in inhabitants of Zabrze].

In 2001 a modified MRC questionnaire and spirometry were performed in the inhabitants of Zabrze (Poland). Two hundred and thirty-nine men and 320 women aged 19-69 years were studied. Forty percent of men and 23% of women were smokers.

Chemiluminescence of pulmonary macrophages from patients with inactive sarcoidosis, in different radiological stages.

Luminol-amplified chemiluminescence was generated by alveolar macrophages, harvested from the bronchoalveolar lavages of 16 patients with different radiological stages of non-invasive (asymptomatic) sarcoidosis. None of the patients received any steroid therapy during this study. The mean duration of the disease in these patients was 8 months, with a duration time range of 6-14 months.

[Transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy in the diagnosis of peripheral lung lesions].

In 1996-2000 in 55 patients (16 females, 39 males) admitted to Department of Phtisiopneumonology in Zabrze because of peripheral lung lesions (diameter 2.5-9.5 cm mean 4.

[Plasma erythropoietin concentration in lung cancer patients].

Unlabelled: The goal of this study was to evaluate serum level of EPO in 32 men with lung cancer (Squamous cell lung cancer N = 11, Adenocarcinoma N = 10, Small cell lung cancer N = 11) in relation to the degree of anemia, stage of disease and the regimen of anticancer therapy. The control group consisted of 29 men, among whom were 15 patients with posthemorrhagic anemia. Blood samples were withdrawn for assessment of blood count, serum concentration of EPO, iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and ferritin.

[Ten years experience of the sleep laboratory at the Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease in Warsaw].

Between 1991-2000 2052 patients (81% men and 19% women) were referred to our Sleep Laboratory because of OSA suspision. In 1194 (58%) subjects (88% men and 12% women) diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA, AHI > 10) was confirmed. In 430 of them (36%) mild OSA (AHI 11-25), in 243 (20%) moderate OSA (AHI 26-40), and in 521 (44%) severe OSA (AHI > 40) was diagnosed.

[Selection of bronchoscope type for removal of foreign bodies from the lower respiratory tract based on personal experience].

32 patients, in whom bronchoscopy was performed due to the removal of foreign body from the lower respiratory tract were described. Age of the patients clinical symptoms and a time lapse between aspiration and removal of foreign body from the lover respiratory tract and localization of foreign body in the particular bronchus were analysed. We conclude, that rigid bronchoscopy is still more useful and safe method of foreign body removing from the lower respiratory tract.

[Cytokines TNF-alpha and GM-CSF in BAL from two different segments of lungs defined by high resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) in patients with sarcoidosis].

The aim of the study was to evaluate the concentrations of TNF-alpha and GM-CSF in double BAL (2 x 120 ml) from two different lung segments: (s.A) from upper lobe with the most and (s.B) from lower lobe with the least extensive involvement estimated by high resolution computed tomography (HRCT).

[Diagnostic-therapeutic procedures in ocular sarcoidosis].

The authors present diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in patients with ocular sarcoidosis.

[Symptomatic eye changes during the course of sarcoidosis].

The authors present ocular changes observed in sarcoidosis. The most frequent features are: symptoms of dry eye and uveitis. Frequency of ocular manifestations leads to the conclusion that ophthalmic examinations ought to be routine procedure at sarcoid patients.

[Reconstructive surgery of bile ducts from personal material].

In the years 1976-1996, 112 patients were treated surgically for the biliary tract injuries, 156 operations were performed upon them. The long term outcome was assessed in 85 patients along with the effectiveness of different surgical techniques. The best results (86.

Effects of CPAP treatment on psychological status in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnoea.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of nocturnal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) breathing on the emotional status and cognitive function in 20 patients with severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) (mean +/- SD apnoea/hypopnoea index = 67 +/- 16, mean overnight arterial oxygen saturation = 83 +/- 10%). Psychological tests were performed before, after three, and after twelve months of CPAP treatment. At initial investigation, amongst cognitive functions, the most disturbed were concentration and recent memory.

[Effect of positive pressure respiration on diurnal catecholamine excretion by patients with obstructive sleep apnea].

The aim of the study was to investigate effects of CPAP treatment on diurnal catecholamine excretion in urine in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). 12 males with severe OSA (mean AHI = 63) were measured in 3 separate 8 hour samples by fluorimetric method. NA levels were higher in OSA patients in all urine samples than in obese, mildly hypertensive males (control group = C).

[Effect of CPAP and BiPAP assisted breathing on pulmonary hemodynamics in patients with obstructive sleep apnea].

CPAP breathing increases alveolar and intrathoracic pressures. We aimed to investigate the effects of CPAP and BiPAP breathing on pulmonary haemodynamics in patients with OSA. Ten male patients with OSA (AHI = 48 +/- 22) were studied.

[Effect of altitude on blood oxygenation during sleep in patients with bronchial asthma].

The aim of our study was to investigate the severity of overnight arterial blood desaturations in patients with asthma at the altitude of 3200 meters above sea level. 12 asthmatics and 12 healthy controls were investigated. Three overnight pulsoximetries were performed in all subjects, one at the lowland and on the 1st and 5th night at the altitude.

[Pulmonary circulation at rest and during exercise in patients with obstructive sleep apnea before and after one year of treatment with CPAP].

We studied pulmonary haemodynamics in 19 male patients, mean age 45 +/- 5 years, suffering from severe OSA, mean apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) 68 +/- 17. Pulmonary haemodynamisc were studied using Swan-Ganz thermodilution catheter in the supine position at rest, and at the end of the 7th minute of steady-state exercise (40 W). Investigations were repeated after one year of treatment with nasal CPAP.

[Evaluation of the usefulness of palpation and Daniel's biopsy for detection of metastasis to supraclavicular and scalene lymph nodes in patients with lung neoplasms].

In 169 patients with lung cancer the usefulness of physical examination and Daniel's biopsy in detection of metastases to supraclavicular and scalene lymph nodes were evaluated. In 35 patients with palpable lymph nodes and in 25 patients with nonpalpable lymph nodes metastases were confirmed by histological examination. The sensitivity, the specificity and the likelihood ratio of physical examination in detection lymph nodes metastases were respectively: 58%, 86% and 4.

[Bradykinin levels in BAL fluid in patients with sarcoidosis].

In 14 patients with sarcoidosis and in 9 healthy controls the bradykinin level was estimated in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid. The statistically significantly higher bradykinin concentrations was found in sarcoid patients than in controls. No relationship was found between level of bradykinin in BAL and lymphocytes % and no relationship was found between bradykinin level and pulmonary function parameters.

Control of breathing in obstructive sleep apnoea and in patients with the overlap syndrome.

In some patients obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) may co-exist with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and respiratory failure; the so-called "overlap syndrome". Obstructive, hypercapnic patients have both blunted ventilatory and mouth occlusion pressure responses during CO2 stimulation. The purpose of this study was to compare the pattern of breathing and CO2 response between OSA patients and those with the overlap syndrome.

[Clinical picture and outcome of conservative treatment for obstructive sleep apnea].

The aim of the study was to assess the clinical picture of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and to investigate the long term effectiveness of treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). 170 subjects were investigated with Mesam 4 screening device. Full polysomnography was performed in suspected patients confirming the diagnosis (AHI > 10) in 72 cases (69M, 3F), mean age 46.

[Mediastinal seminoma--diagnostic difficulties].

A case report of a seminoma of extragonadal localization--of the mediastinum--is presented. In specimens obtained during mediastinoscopy sarcoid lesions were detected. Parasternal mediastinotomy allowed to sample larger fragment of the tumor and the final diagnosis was made.

[Use of nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation in treatment of exacerbation of chronic respiratory insufficiency].

A case of a 45 year old male with COPD is presented. In the past the patient required twice mechanical ventilation. During a current hospitalization Nasal Intermittent Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV) was successfully applied.

[Pulmonary hemodynamics in obstructive sleep apnea or overlap syndrome].

We studied pulmonary haemodynamics at rest and on exercise in 44 consecutive patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), mean AHI > 40. The diagnosis was confirmed by standard polysomnography (PSG). According to history and results of spirometric measurements patients were divided to two groups, pure OSA and OSA complicating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (overlap syndrome).

Hand-scoring of MESAM 4 recordings is more accurate than automatic analysis in screening for obstructive sleep apnoea.

The MESAM 4 system, developed to monitor breathing sounds, heart rate, arterial oxygen saturation (Sao2) and body position, was proposed as a screening method for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). The aim of the study was to assess the accuracy of hand-scoring versus automatic-scoring in screening for obstructive sleep apnoea. The study population consisted of 56 patients, 51 males, and 5 females, mean age 47 +/- 10 yrs, suspected of having obstructive sleep apnoea.

[Effect of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on gasometric and spirometric parameters in patients with sarcoidosis].

The effect of BAL and fiberoptic bronchoscopy on gasometric and spirometric parameters was studied in 22 patients with sarcoidosis and 15 volunteers. In 12 patients with sarcoidosis during the repeated BAL procedure the effect of oxygen supplementation (by nasal prongs 3 L/min) was analysed. Significant decrease of oxygen pressure (PaO2) and vital capacity was seen in patients undergoing BAL and fiberoptic bronchoscopy.