Burden of community-acquired pneumonia in adults over 18 y of age.

This study aimed to determine the economic burden and affecting factors in adult community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients (≥ 18 years) by retrospectively evaluating the data of 2 centers in Istanbul province, Turkey. Data of outpatients and inpatients with CAP from January 2013 through June 2014 were evaluated. The numbers of laboratory analyses, imaging, hospitalization days, and specialist visits were multiplied by the relevant unit costs and the costs of the relevant items per patient were obtained.

Induced sputum as a method for detection of systemic sclerosis-related interstitial lung disease.

Inducted sputum (IS) is a non-invasive procedure that can be used for collection of airway secretions. The aim of our study is to evaluate the clinical usefulness of IS for detection of airway inflammation in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Bronchoalveolar lavage and IS were performed to 20 patients with SSc.

Treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux improves asthma symptoms in asthmatics.

Objective: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is defined as the movement of gastric content toward laryngopharynx and is a common occurrence in patients with asthma. This study aimed (1) to determine the incidence of LPR in patients with asthma by assessment of symptom scores and indirect laryngoscopy and (2) to determine the effect of LPR treatment on asthma symptom scores.

Methods: A total of 28 patients with mild to moderate asthma (24 women, 4 men, mean age 46 +/- 6 years) were included in the study, and after all patients completed LPR and asthma symptom questionnaires, indirect videolaryngoscopy was performed.