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Biomedical subjects

J Kuś

Publications and source records attributed to J Kuś.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Humoral immune response against mycobacterial antigens in bronchoalveolar fluid from tuberculosis patients.

Resistance to tuberculosis (TB) is cell-mediated but a humoral response is common and may be correlated with the lack of effective local cellular defense mechanisms. The goal of the study was to evaluate IgG, IgA, and IgM-mediated humoral immune response against 38-kDa+16-kDa and 38-kDa+lipoarabinomannan (LAM) mycobacterial antigens in bronchoalveolar fluid (BALF) from patients with pulmonary TB. Non-tuberculosis (NTB) patients were used as control. 179 BALF samples (56 TB and 123 NTB) were examined. Commercially available ELISA-based assays against proteins 38-kDa and 16-kDa or 38-kDa plus LAM were used. Three different dilutions of BALF: 1:1; 1:10, and 1:50 (100) were tested. Only the results obtained with the 1:10 dilution allowed distinguishing TB and NTB groups. The mean IgG level for 38-Da+LAM was significantly higher in the TB than that in the NTB group (P<0.0001). The mean IgA level for 38-kDa+LAM also was higher in the TB group (P<0.05). No difference was observed between TB and NTB groups in the titer of IgM antibodies. These findings indicate that TB is associated with the presence of detectable levels of antibodies in BALF. The antibody response is highly heterogeneous. This phenomenon results from the balance between pathogen and host immune system. The tests examined for detection of IgG in BALF can be used in combination with other diagnostic methods to increase diagnostic accuracy of pulmonary TB.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗

Cellular components of the bronchoalveolar lavage correlate with lung function impairment and extrapulmonary involvement markers in active sarcoidosis.

Sarcoidosis is a chronic inflammatory multiorgan disease of unknown origin. Our previous study demonstrated a significant correlation between the relative count of non CD4(+), non CD8(+) lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage of active sarcoidosis patients and proangiogenic activity of BAL homogenates. The aim of the present study was to evaluate in a group of 40 patients with active sarcoidosis the possible relationship between the intensity of alveolitis, particularly the non CD4(+), non CD8(+) lymphocyte subset, and other parameters characterizing the level of pulmonary (lung function tests) and extrapulmonary (spleen longitudinal dimension) disease activity. We found that the relative count of non CD4(+), non CD8(+) lymphocytes in BAL correlated positively with spleen size (r=0.50, P<0.01) and negatively with static compliance (r=0.43, P<0.05). We concluded that the lymphocytes belonging to the non CD4(+)non CD8(+) subset participate in the inflammatory process in sarcoidosis. However, more detailed phenotypic and functional characteristics of this cellular population are needed.

Adult↗

Diagnostic value of different serological tests for tuberculosis in Poland.

The aim of the study was to test the diagnostic accuracy of several serological assays for the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) in the Polish population. ELISA based assays detecting: 38 kDa+LAM - MycoM, MycoA and MycoG, 38 kDa - Pathozyme TB complex, 38 kDa+16 kDa - Pathozyme TB complex plus were used. The humoral immune response was analyzed in a group of 319 TB patients (289 adults and 30 children) and in a control group consisting of 66 sarcoidosis cases, 16 cases of mycobacterial infections other than tuberculosis, 35 lung cancer patients, and 70 healthy volunteers. Among the TB patients, there were 267 cases of pulmonary TB and 52 cases of extrapulmonary TB. Sensitivity varied between 32% (IgM) and 63% (IgA) and increased in culture positive tuberculosis and in chronic cases. Specificity was the highest for the tests based on recombinant antibodies (98%). Sensitivity of the IgG test in extrapulmonary TB was comparable with that in pulmonary TB. Overall, sensitivity of the examined tests was lower in children than in adults, but it varied depending on the age and phase of the disease. We conclude that the ELISA-based tests may be a useful tool for improving the diagnosis of TB, especially in adults and in those countries where the prevalence of culture positive and chronic cases is high.

Adolescent↗

[Invasive aspergillosis in autopsy material of patients treated at the Institute of Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases during the years 1993-2000].

The aim of this paper is an analysis of clinical documentation and results of autopsy of 21 patients (pts) who died of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in the Institute of Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases in years 1993-2000 and the assessment of predisposing factors for IA. In 17 pts IA was the main and in other 4 only an accessory cause of death. All pts were treated with corticosteroids and/or cytostatic drugs--because of lung cancer (11 pts), cancer in other site (2 pts), haematologic disorders (2 pts), Wegener's granulomatosis (1 pt), polymyositis (1 pt), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (1 pt) and other diseases (3 pts). In 15 out of 21 pts granulocytopenia was revealed (from 0.008 x 10(9)/L to 0.82 x 10(9)/L) on an average one month before death. In 15 pts IA was limited to the lungs, in 6 others there were also fungal lesions in brain, kidneys, liver, spleen and heart. Pts with disseminated form of IA had significantly lower granulocyte count and were treated with higher doses of corticosteroids than others. Immunosuppressive drugs and granulocytopenia can be regarded as predisposing factors. Fatal course of IA depended also on the late diagnosis.

Adult↗

[Own experience in diagnosis and therapy in pulmonary Langerhans cell granulomatosis].

UNLABELLED: We have assessed 12 patients (2 females, 10 males) aged between 19 and 53 years (mean 38.3 +/- 10.3) diagnosed with LCG during 14-year period (1985-1998). All patients were smokers. Follow-up was from 6 to 132 months (mean 47.5 +/- 44.4). LCG diagnosis was confirmed by histology in 10 cases (9 lung, and 1 bone biopsy). In 2 patients the diagnosis was made on clinical grounds, including characteristic appearance on HRCT scans. Mean FVC was 78.9 +/- 15.9% of predicted, DLCO 64.1 +/- 22% of predicted. In 8 patients (67%) FVC or DLCO were below 80% of predicted. In 2 patients with histologically proven diagnosis, HRCT was not characteristic for LCG. The treatment was introduced in 8 patients (67%). Only 3 out of 8 patients initially treated with steroids responded to this treatment. In the rest treated patients, therapy was changed to cytotoxic agents. 3 patients died (1 after 2 years, and 2 after 11 years) 2 due to LCG and 1 due to pneumonia. CONCLUSION: HRCT appearance is not always characteristic in patients with histological diagnosis of LCG. Pulmonary involvement in LCG is frequently connected with lung function derangements. Response to steroids is poor, and switching to cytotoxic agents is often necessary.

Adult↗

[Pulmonary manifestations of polymyositis and dermatomyositis: a report of 6 cases and a review of literature].

The group of 6 patients with interstitial pulmonary changes in the course of polymyositis or dermatomyositis treated in years 1986-1999 was assessed. In one woman pulmonary changes occurred ten years before other symptoms of the connective tissue disease. Lung function tests showed a restrictive ventilatory defect in all patients. High resolution computed tomography revealed different changes, from ground glass attenuation to honey--combing. Only one patient, probably with bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia, responded to corticosteroids. Four women died from respiratory failure. In 2 pneumomediastinum occurred, which is a rare complication.

Adult↗

[Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis: presentation and results of treatment].

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis is a rare lung disease of unknown aetiology that affects only women. Eight premenopausal women with LAM confirmed by lung biopsy specimens were observed in 1984-2001. The most common presenting feature was exertional dyspnea (6) followed by chylous pleural effusions and pneumothoraces. In two women severe airflow obstruction was observed at presentation. HRCT revealed characteristic cysts in all cases. All women were given hormonal therapy (tamoxifen, medroxyprogesterone). The best results of treatment were achieved in cases with chylothoraces.

Adult↗

[Clinical presentation of own idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients according to international consensus statement].

Clinical presentation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) restricted, according to current definition to usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) was presented. 62 patients (39 males and 23 females) were assessed. The diagnosis of IPF/UIP has been based upon a combination of clinical, radiographic and physiologic features in majority of patients. Histologic confirmation from lung biopsy has been obtained in 16% of cases. Mean age of the patients was 64.4 +/- 8.0 years. Mean duration of symptoms was 20.1 +/- 14.1 months. The main symptom was exertional dyspnea. Crepitations were found in 98% of patients. Lung volumes were in normal range in substantial number of patients; TLC in 15 (24%) and FVC in 33 (53%) out of 62 patients. Disturbances of lung function concerned mainly gas exchange (DLCO diminished in 92% of cases) and lung compliance (diminished in all patients). Presentation of clinical, radiographic and physiologic features of IPF/UIP in a homogenous group of patients may be helpful in diagnosis of this common interstitial lung disease.

Aged↗

[Classification of the neck dissections].

The distribution of the neck surgery dissections proposed by the Academy Committee for Head Neck Surgery and Oncology, Education of the Head Neck Surgery (year 1991) was discussed in this paper. The authors are in the agreement with proposed distribution and strongly recommend its implementation in Poland. The standard radical neck dissection according to Crile was accepted as the base of this distribution. Neck dissection similar to Crile's operation but with saving up important anatomical structures (n. XI., vena jugularis int., m.scm) was called modified radical neck dissection (type I-III). Excision of the lymphatic system from the well-defined regions of the neck with saving up nonlymphatic structures and/or group of lymphatic system same in Crile's operation with additional nonlymphatic structures and/or another lymphatic nodules nonmentioned in Crile's operation is called enlarged radical neck dissection.

Humans↗

[Value of the immunochromatographic assay for detecting IgG antibodies against 38 kDa mycobacterial antigen in diagnosis of tuberculosis].

Despite of a fast development in the techniques of rapid identification of mycobacteria by molecular genetic techniques, serodiagnosis may be of special values as non-expensive, easy to perform method. Several serodiagnostic tests, principally those using immunoenzymatic (ELISA) methodology are available. The goal of our study was to evaluate one step coloured immunochromatographic assay detecting IgG antibodies against antigen 38 kDa (Rapid Test TB). Our material consisted of 278 serum samples--tuberculosis (n = 155), healthy (n = 36), sarcoidosis (n = 50), lung cancer (n = 25) mycobacterial infections other than tuberculosis (n = 12). Tuberculosis group consisted of new culture positive cases (n = 66), new culture negative cases (n = 23), chronic cases (n = 43) and extrapulmonary TB (n = 23). Specificity of 96% and sensitivity of 54% was obtained. In pulmonary TB sensitivity of 50% and in extrapulmonary TB of 74% was obtained. In chronic cases sensitivity of 70% and in new cases of 40% was received. Sensitivity of 44% in new culture positive cases and 30% in new culture negative cases was obtained. We conclude that immunochromatographic test may be a very useful tool improving tuberculosis diagnosis, especially in extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Strip test may be an interesting alternative as it is an extremely simple, rapid, and cheap technique.

Chromatography↗

[Clinical significance of pattern types in high resolution computed tomography images of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis].

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to assess significance of two types of HRCT pattern in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), corresponding to usual interstitial pneumonia. The study population consisted of 34 patients, 11 women and 23 men, mean age 64.5 +/- 10.5 years. The patients were divided into two groups according to HRCT appearance: Group A--reticular pattern with some ground-glass attenuation (30 patients); group B--reticular pattern only (4 patients). Age, level of dyspnea, pulmonary function tests were similar in both groups. Longer history of dyspnea and more frequent finger clubbing (all patients) were found in Group B. 30 patients were followed-up for at least 12 months. In this period 4 out of 27 patients died in Group A, and 2 out of 3 patients died in Group B (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: HRCT showing reticular pattern only corresponds to late phase of IPF and is connected with very short survival.

Aged↗

[Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis].

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare disease characterised by the accumulation of proteinaceous material within alveoli. In order to evaluate the clinical features and the course of PAP we reviewed 7 cases (2F/5M) diagnosed during a 11-year period (1989-1999). The mean age of patients was 40.7 +/- 11.2 years. Diagnosis was obtained by open lung biopsy in all cases. Clinical findings included dyspnea (43%), cough (28%) and crackles (28%). Lung function tests were normal in 5 cases and showed a moderate restrictive pattern in 1 and mild airflow obstruction in 1. Three patients had reduced Dlco (mean was 63% of predicted). Four patients had hypoxemia at rest. Chest X-ray revealed bilateral alveolar opacities (71%), involving perihilar areas and lower lobes. HRCT scans demonstrated diffuse ground glass opacities (83%) with interlobular septa thickening (50%). Three patients were treated with repeated segmental BAL (2 improved). The spontaneous partial remission occurred in 4.

Adult↗

[Atypical radiologic image of pulmonary sarcoidosis as a diagnostic problem].

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disorder of unknown cause frequently presenting with hilar lymphadenopathy, pulmonary infiltration, ocular and skin lesions. Multiple circular or oval pulmonary dentisties appear in the less than 5% of patients. We describe 4 sarcoidosis cases with multiple or single tumor lesion. These patients were referred to our department with initial diagnosis of metastatic or primary lung malignancy. Two of them presented the picture of multiple tumors and two had single peripheral lung mass with hilar lymphadenopathy. This report shows difficulties in the diagnosis of the interstitial lung diseases when the radiological pattern mimics malignancy.

Adult↗

[Clinical presentation and medical management in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis before diagnosis].

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to find factors that may influence diagnostic process of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Clinical presentation and medical management in the period before the diagnosis of IPF were assessed in 57 patients. There were 25 females and 32 males in the study group; mean age was 61.4 +/- 10.9 years. Mean duration of symptoms in the whole group was 18.4 +/- 16.0 months. The most common symptoms were dyspnea on exertion (96.5% of cases) and cough (84.2% of cases). 56 out of 57 patients (98.2% of cases) had crackles on auscultation of the lungs. In one third of the patients clubbing of the fingers was found. Mean FVC% of predicted was 77.2 +/- 19.8%, and mean DLCO% of predicted was 61.6 +/- 16.8%. The most common associated disease was ischemic heart disease, found in 43.9% of patients. Duration of symptoms in patients with ischemic heart disease was 25.7 +/- 18.8 months and was as twice long as in the rest of the patients, 12.8 +/- 10.5 months (p < 0.005). Prior the diagnosis of IPF 22 patients (38.6% of cases) did not any receive treatment for symptoms of interstitial lung disease. 31 patients (54.4% of cases) received antibacterial treatment (29 antibiotics and 2 anti-Tb drugs), although there were no clear signs of infection. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Associated ischemic heart disease may cause delay in establishing the diagnosis of IPF; 2. In the period before diagnosis of IPF over half of the patients were given antibacterial treatment without appropriate indications.

Adult↗

[Usefulness of analyzing ANCA changes for diagnosis of Wegener's granulomatosis].

UNLABELLED: ANCA were described in 1982 as sensitive and specific markers for active Wegener's granulomatosis (WG). We analysed the results of ANCA test performed in 298 patients hospitalized in Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases in the period 1990-1998 because of different symptoms and syndromes of respiratory system which could be symptoms of WG. Presence of c-ANCA, p-ANCA and other not well defined types of ANCA in the titer greater than 1:40 in the serum was regarded as positive result of test. We found it in 60 patients. In 47 WG pts ANCA were present in 40 of 42 pts with active disease and 1 of 5 in remission. Further 19 positive results were found in a group of 251 patients with other diseases: 1 of 4 pts with Churg-Strauss syndrome, 1 of 2 with pulmonary renal syndrome, 5 of 28 with connective tissue diseases, 1 of 21 with tuberculosis, 1 of 23 with sarcoidosis, 1 of 6 with histiocytosis, 3 of 11 with hypersensitivity pneumonitis, 1 (lymphoma) of 34 with neoplasms, 1 of 20 with pulmonary fibrosis, 1 of 8 with cardiac failure, 1 of 5 with pleural fluid, 1 of 10 pneumoconiosis and toxic reactions (after furagin), 1 of 6 with BOOP. Sensitivity of ANCA test in our material is 87%, specificity = 95%, and positive prevalence accuracy is 68%. It means that 32% of the patients with positive results could be inappropriate treated as WG. CONCLUSION: ANCA test could be not used as a screening test. Results of ANCA test alone cannot be used as basis for treatment. ANCA test is a helpful tool in diagnosing of WG.

Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic↗

[Usefulness of CD1 expression on surfaces of cells in bronchoalveolar fluid for diagnosis of histiocytosis X--our experience].

Histiocytosis X (HX), also referred as Langerhans cell granulomatosis is a disorder characterized by the presence of destructive granulomas containing Langerhans cells, lymphocytes, eosinophils and fibroblastes in the involved organs. Three presentations are commonly observed: 1) nonproductive cough or effort dyspnea, 2) spontaneous pneumothorax 3) incidental pulmonary infiltrates on chest X-ray in asymptomatic patients. HRCT may be helpful in the initial diagnosis of pulmonary HX. HRCT scans show nodules, cysts and estimate the extent of disease. But the final diagnosis of histiocytosis X requires the histologic demonstration of specific histiocytosis X cell in biopsy specimens of the lung. The aim of this study was to define the importance of the detection of Langerhans cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) for the diagnosis of HX. The searched cells express a specific CD1 antigen, recognized by the monoclonal antibody OKT-6. In our study the demonstration of more than 5% of CD1 positive cells was defined to confirm HX. We have studied the BALF in 21 patients with suspected histiocytosis X. In BALF of 4 patients more than 5% of CD1 positive cells were found. In 1 of them HX was confirmed with open lung biopsy. Two patients displayed 5% of CD1 positive cells. The final diagnosis of the first patient was hypersensitivity pneumonitis and of the second one was bronchitis chronica. In 5 patients out of 15 patients in whom less than 5% of CD1 positive cells were found histiocytosis X was histologically proven. In other 10 patients the following disorders were histologically recognised: pulmonary emphysema 3 cases, pneumoconiosis-3, LMA-BOOP-1, sarcoidosis-1 and pleuritis eosinophilica-1. The estimation of Langerhans cells in BALF can be a useful method among the diagnostic procedures for histiocytosis X. It is necessary to remember that demonstration of less than 5% of CD1 positive cells do not exclude histiocytosis X.

Adult↗

[Usefulness of measuring serum IGG antibodies against A60 mycobacterial antigen for diagnosis of tuberculosis].

Measurement of antimycobacterial antibody may be used as potential diagnostic tool in tuberculosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum IgG level against A60 mycobacterial antigen measured by ELISA method. Material consisted of 144 persons divided into 5 groups (76 tuberculosis patients, 20 sarcoidosis patients, 17 lung cancer patients, 8 patients with mycobacterial infections other than tuberculosis and 23 healthy controls). In the tuberculosis group there were 50 culture positive cases and 26 culture negative ones, 43 new cases and 32 chronic cases. Positive results were obtained in 51% of tuberculosis patients. Sensitivity increased to 62% in culture positive group and 63% in chronic cases. Specificity of the test was 96%. The results indicate that Immunozyme Mycobacterium test is a valuable tool in tuberculosis diagnosis.

Adult↗