A Multifaceted Exploration of Status Asthmaticus: A Retrospective Analysis in a Romanian Hospital.

: Status asthmaticus is a severe, life-threatening asthma exacerbation requiring urgent medical intervention. This study aims to examine its epidemiology in Timis County, Romania, over 11 years. : A retrospective analysis was conducted using hospital records from 2013 to 2023, focusing on demographic, geospatial, and temporal distributions.

Concomitance of Pericardial Tamponade and Pulmonary Embolism in an Invasive Mucinous Lung Adenocarcinoma with Atypical Presentation: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Pitfalls-Case Report and Literature Review.

The invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma of the lungs (LIMA) is an uncommon histological subtype of the mucinous adenocarcinoma. In this article, we present the case of a patient with a very high cardiovascular risk profile, diagnosed with LIMA, pericardial tamponade due to secondary dissemination, and pulmonary embolism, whose management rouses many challenges. Despite receiving the correct anticoagulant and antiaggregant therapy, our patient developed repeated acute major cardiovascular events leading to a fatal outcome.

Comorbidities, Treatment and Survival Rates of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension in a Regional Centre.

: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is characterized by a multitude of underlying causes, treatment modalities and prognostic outcomes. Our aim was to evaluate the underlying causes, comorbidities and survival rates of CTEPH patients. : A retrospective analysis was conducted regarding the evolution of CTEPH patients confirmed by right heart catheterization under treatment with specific vasodilator medication in our centre between 2008 and 2023.

Utility of Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) in Assessing Quality of Life among Patients with Heart Failure Undergoing Exercise Training Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) in assessing quality of life improvements among patients with heart failure (HF) undergoing various forms of exercise training rehabilitation, including telemedicine and in-person modalities, across all stages of HF, irrespective of ejection fraction (EF) and clinical status. The aim was to collate evidence from studies employing the KCCQ as a measure of quality of life (QoL). A comprehensive search strategy was implemented across PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases, adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, including literature up until October 2023.

Impact of Pre-Infection COVID-19 Vaccination on the Incidence and Severity of Post-COVID Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review critically evaluated the impact of a pre-infection COVID-19 vaccination on the incidence and severity of post-COVID-19 syndrome and aimed to assess the potential protective effect across different vaccines and patient demographics. This study hypothesized that vaccination before infection substantially reduces the risk and severity of post-COVID-19 syndrome. In October 2023, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across three databases, PubMed, Embase, and Scopus, focusing on studies published up to that date.

Airborne Particulate Matter Size and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations: A Prospective, Risk-Factor Analysis Comparing Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease 3 and 4 Categories.

Current research primarily emphasizes the generalized correlations between airborne pollution and respiratory diseases, seldom considering the differential impacts of particular particulate matter sizes on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations in distinct Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) categories. This study hypothesizes a critical association between particulate matter sizes (PM 1.0, PM 2.

Longitudinal Analysis of Pulmonary Function Impairment One Year Post-COVID-19: A Single-Center Study.

Persistent pulmonary impairment post-COVID-19 has been reported, albeit variably. This single-center observational study aims to longitudinally evaluate pulmonary function in 140 COVID-19 survivors one year after recovery, assessing associations with disease severity and pre-existing lung conditions. Participants aged 18 and older, with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, were evaluated using spirometry and Diffusion Capacity of Lungs for Carbon Monoxide (DLCO) tests.

Post-Infection Oscillometry and Pulmonary Metrics in SARS-CoV-2 Patients: A 40-Day Follow-Up Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has had significant impacts on pulmonary function. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate pulmonary function and structure in patients 40 days post-SARS-CoV-2 infection, employing an array of testing methodologies including spirometry, plethysmography, forced oscillometry, and CT scanning. It also sought to establish potential correlations between these metrics and evaluate if forced oscillometry could provide additional value in post-infective lung function assessment.

Bronchial Microbiota and the Stress Associated with Invasive Diagnostic Tests in Lung Cancer vs. Benign Pulmonary Diseases: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. This study aimed to compare the bronchial microbiota of patients with lung cancer and patients with benign pulmonary diseases undergoing bronchoscopy, and to assess the stress levels associated with invasive diagnostic lung tests. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the "Victor Babes" Hospital for Infectious Diseases and Pulmonology in Timisoara, Romania.

Serum and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Levels of Cytokines in Patients with Lung Cancer and Chronic Lung Disease: A Prospective Comparative Study.

The role of chronic inflammation in the initiation and progression of carcinogenesis has been well-established in previous studies, particularly in the stages of malignant conversion, invasion, and metastasis. This study aimed to explore the potential correlation between the levels of cytokines in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) by comparing their levels between patients with lung cancer and those with benign lung diseases. The study measured the concentration of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12p70, in venous blood and BALF of a total of 33 patients with lung cancer and 33 patients with benign lung diseases.

The Association of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and Interleukins in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid with Lung Cancer: A Prospective Analysis.

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Identifying novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers is essential for improving patient outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the predictive role of cytokines from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in lung cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

A Heart Rate Step Function Response Method for the Evaluation of Pulse Wave Velocity as a Predictor of Major Adverse Cardio-Vascular Events.

: Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death worldwide, and pulse wave velocity (PWV) is considered a predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events. The study intended to be helpful in finding methods for the preliminary assessment of PWV in primary care units. : The study group consisted of 36 subjects (considered healthy by their own statement) from the medical field (medicine students and residents) aged between 20 and 30 years: 33.

Endothelial dysfunction: The possible link between cardiovascular comorbidities and phenomenon of inflammaging from COPD.

Aging is a risk factor for many chronic noncommunicable diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is often associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Moreover, aging is associated with a mild form of systemic inflammation. The aim of our study was to analyze the relationship between age, systemic and vascular inflammation, and the presence of CVD comorbidities in a stable COPD population.

Bronchoalveolar Lavage as a Diagnostic Tool in an Atypical Pulmonary Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis.

Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH) is an uncommon diffuse cystic lung disease that occurs almost exclusively in young adult smokers. High-resolution computed tomography of the chest allows a confident diagnosis of PLCH in typical presentation, when nodules, cavitating nodules, and cysts coexist and show a predominance for the upper and middle lung. Atypical presentations require histology for diagnosis.

HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND): Obstacles to Early Neuropsychological Diagnosis.

Despite the recent advances in HIV treatment, HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) prevalence remains high, especially in the mild forms. Current recommendations endorse routine screening for HAND and early identification, but there are several obstacles in diagnosing and managing cognitive impairment in people living with HIV. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the concepts and diagnostic tools in the field of HAND and report on the strengths and limitations of currently available approaches.

ANCA-associated vasculitis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A case report and brief review of the literature.

Rationale: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive disease with poor prognosis. Patients with IPF represent a heterogeneous population with several described clinical phenotypes. More recently, the development of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis in IPF patients, with an incidence higher than that in the general population, has drawn attention.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelets-to-lymphocyte ratio, and eosinophils correlation with high-resolution computer tomography severity score in COVID-19 patients.

Inflammation has an important role in the progression of various viral pneumonia, including COVID-19. Circulating biomarkers that can evaluate inflammation and immune status are potentially useful in diagnosing and prognosis of COVID-19 patients. Even more so when they are a part of the routine evaluation, chest CT could have even higher diagnostic accuracy than RT-PCT alone in a suggestive clinical context.

High School Pupils' Relationships with Their Parents, Schoolmates, and Friends, and Health-Related Risk Behaviors.

Purpose: The aims of this study were to evaluate high school pupils' relationships with their parents, schoolmates, and friends, and the presence of health-related risk behaviors among the family members and friends on the pupils' smoking and binge drinking status.

Materials And Methods: The study was a cross-sectional population-based study that involved a questionnaire, and the sample involved 2908 pupils at high schools in Timis county, Romania. In our study, the following factors related to family members and friends and the living environment were identified.

Lung Function Assessment by Impulse Oscillometry in Adults.

Over the past decades, impulse oscillometry (IOS) has gained ground in the battery of pulmonary function tests. Performing the test requires minimal cooperation of the patient; therefore, it is a useful tool, especially in evaluating lung mechanics in children, elderly patients, and those who cannot perform spirometry. Oscillometry has also been used in both clinical and research departments.

Romanian clinical guideline for diagnosis and treatment of COPD.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease with increasing prevalence and burden for health systems worldwide. Every country collects its own epidemiological data regarding COPD prevalence, morbidity and mortality while taking steps to educate the population and medical community to improve early detection and treatment. The rising COPD prevalence creates a need for comprehensive guidelines.

Risk factors of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease characterised by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation. COPD has a major impact on public health, mainly because of its increasing prevalence, morbidity and mortality. The natural course of COPD is aggravated by episodes of respiratory symptom worsening termed exacerbations that contribute to disease progression.