Serum and pleural fluid N-Terminal-Pro-B-Type natriuretic peptide concentrations in the differential diagnosis of pleural effusions.

Currently, new biomarkers like N-Terminal-Pro-B-Type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) have been used in the differential diagnosis of pleural effusions. In our study, we aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of NT-proBNP, especially in cardiac originated pleural effusions. Forty-five patients with pleural effusions were included in the study.

Occupational asthma in welders and painters.

We aimed to investigate the frequency of occupational asthma (OA) and the factors associated with OA development in a bicycle factory, subsequently after the diagnosis of OA in three workers at the same department. Forty one welders, 23 painters and 46 controls (office workers), a total number of 110 cases were included in the study. Turkish Thoracic Society Occupational and Environmental Diseases Evaluation Questionnaire and physical examination, chest-X ray, pulmonary function tests were performed as needed.

Factors affecting the interval from diagnosis to treatment in patients with lung cancer.

Aims And Background: We aimed to investigate the factors affecting the interval from the beginning of the symptoms until diagnosis and treatment in patients with lung cancer.

Methods: Records of 119 lung cancer patients diagnosed in our pulmonary diseases clinic between 2004 and 2006 were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic data, histopathological tumor type, TNM stage, ECOG performance status, presence of endobronchial lesions, and radiological localization of the tumor were determined.

[Evaluation of silicosis in ceramic workers].

This study is aimed to evaluate the incidence of silicosis and the relation of it with personal and work-related factors among workers exposed to silica in ceramic factory. Workers were evaluated by respiratory symptoms, physical examination, pulmonary function and radiological findings. Occupational and Enviromental Pulmonary Disease Evaluation Questionnaire of the Turkish Thoracic Society Enviromental and Occupational Pulmonary Diseases Working Group was used.