Characteristics of obstructive sleep apnea related to insulin resistance.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with multiple comorbidities, including diabetes. Its development is preceded by alterations in the initial phase of carbohydrate metabolism characterized by insulin resistance. This study aims to evaluate the role of intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation characteristic of OSA on the risk of insulin resistance among apneic patients without diabetes.

Inflammasome Activation: A Keystone of Proinflammatory Response in Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

As the mechanism that links obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with the regulation of inflammatory response is not well known, it is important to understand the inflammasome activation, mainly of NLRP3 (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor 3). To assess the NLRP3 activity in patients with severe OSA and to identify its role in the systemic inflammatory response of patients with OSA. We analyzed the NLRP3 activity as well as key components of the inflammasome cascade, such as adaptor molecule apoptosis-associated speck-like protein, caspase-1, Gasdermin D, IL-1β, IL-18, and tissue factor, in monocytes and plasma from patients with severe OSA and control subjects without sleep apnea.

Should we consider paranasal and chest computed tomography in severe asthma patients?

Background: It is essential to recognize and treat findings that can simulate or worsen symptoms improve asthma control and thereby to reduce costs. Guidelines highlight a paranasal (PS) and chest computed tomography (CT) scan as a tool for disease evaluation and, although they suggest its indication in patients whom presentation is atypical, there are not well-defined criteria.

Objectives: To describe the most common findings in the PS and chest CT in severe asthma patients and to analyse the characteristics of asthmatics with the finding of nasal polyps or bronchiectasis.

CPAP effect on recurrent episodes in patients with sleep apnea and myocardial infarction.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to increased cardiovascular risk, but the association between OSA and myocardial infarction (MI) remains controversial. Our objectives were to compare the frequency of OSA in patients with acute MI and in a population-based sample of control subjects, and to evaluate the impact of CPAP on recurrent MI and coronary revascularization.

Methods: Case-control study with a 6-year follow-up of the case cohort.

[Choriocarcinoma of the lung].

Primary choriocarcinoma of the lung is an extremely rare condition with a fatal outcome in most patients. We report the case of a 31-year-old woman with cough, chest pain, and hemoptysis, whose chest radiograph displayed nodules in the right upper lobe. After study and an unsuccessful attempt at histological characterization of the lesions, exploratory surgery was indicated.