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Biomedical subjects

O Karaman

Publications and source records attributed to O Karaman.

16 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Impaired endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilation in Behçet's disease: more prominent endothelial dysfunction in patients with vascular involvement.

Brachial artery endothelial dysfunction was shown previously in a small group of Behçet's disease (BD) patients. This study aimed to compare the endothelial function in BD patients with and without vascular involvement. The study group consisted of 25 BD patients with vascular involvement, 25 BD patients without any vascular disease and 46 healthy controls. Brachial artery flow-mediated (endothelium-dependent) dilation (FMD), nitroglycerine-induced dilation and carotid artery intima-media thickness were measured. FMD was impaired in patients with BD (10.41 +/- 3.85%) compared to healthy controls (14.41 +/- 3.39%, p < 0.001). FMD was significantly lower in BD patients with vascular involvement (8.80 +/- 3.63%) than those without any vascular disease (12.02 +/- 3.43%, p = 0.003). This study reveals that endothelial dysfunction documented by brachial artery FMD is a feature of BD, and it is more prominent in patients with vascular involvement.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Tuberculosis in Turkish patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: increased frequency of extrapulmonary localization.

The objective was to investigate the frequency and characteristics of tuberculosis (TB) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We reviewed the charts of 556 patients with SLE who were followed up between 1978 and 2001 in our lupus clinic. Patients who developed TB after the diagnosis of SLE were identified (SLE/TB+). Ninety-six consecutive patients with SLE who did not develop TB during the follow-up were evaluated as a control group (SLE/TB-). Clinical, laboratory and management characteristics of these two groups of patients were recorded according to a predefined protocol, and compared. Of the 556 patients evaluated, 20 patients (3.6%) with TB were identified. Nine of the 20 patients (45%) had extrapulmonary TB (vertebral involvement in three patients, meningeal in two, and joint and soft tissue in four). Arthritis and renal involvement were significantly high in the SLE/TB+ group (P = 0.045, P = 0.009, respectively). The mean daily dose of prednisolone before the diagnosis of TB and the cumulative dose of prednisolone were significantly higher in the SLE/TB+ group compared to the SLE/TB- group (27 +/- 22 g versus 16 +/- 16 g, 24 +/- 45 mg versus 11 +/- 8.5 mg, respectively). In conclusion, we found an increased frequency of TB infection and a high prevalence of extrapulmonary TB in a large cohort of SLE patients. The mean daily dose of prednisolone before the diagnosis of TB and the cumulative dose of prednisolone, which possibly related to disease severity, were important determinants for the increased risk of TB in these patients with SLE.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Risk factors in wheezing infants.

BACKGROUND: Some lifestyle factors may be important for the occurrence of wheezing and there are considerable differences around the world. METHODS: Risk factors of wheezing were examined in 38 children (aged 6-24 months). Results were compared with healthy age-matched controls. RESULTS: Family history of atopy, asthma and eczematoid dermatitis, and parental and pregnancy smoking were all reported as being substantially more common in wheezing infants than in controls (P < 0.05 for each parameter). Living conditions showed that the incidence of wheezing in infants was more common in households with wooden floor coverings compared with controls, which used plastic floor coverings (P < 0.05). They also showed that 55.3% of wheezing infants and only 20% of controls were living in moist dwelling environments (P < 0.05). With regard to bedding, the incidence of wheezing in infants was higher in households using synthetic materials compared with controls (P < 0.05). A history of in utero and environmental tobacco smoke exposure was associated with increased risk of recurrent wheezing. Odds ratio and logistic regression analysis were done with presence of wheezing as the dependent variable and all risk factors of interest as independent variables. Family history of atopy, high household humidity levels, parental smoking and wooden floors used in the home were significant risk factors for wheezing. Skin test positivity and gastroesophageal reflux were determined in wheezing infants as 18.4 and 13.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Recurrent wheezing in infancy may be associated with many environmental and genetic factors. It is possible that allergen avoidance merely delays rather than prevents the development of allergic disorders.

Allergens↗
PubMed1998

Immunoglobulin G subclasses in wheezing infants.

BACKGROUND: The wheezing infant is a common but difficult patient to approach diagnostically. The prevalence of immunoglobulin (Ig) G subclass deficiency in wheezing infants is still controversial. METHODS: We studied the serum concentration of IgG subclasses in 38 wheezing infants (aged 6-24 months) who had not received systemic steroids before investigation and in 30 healthy age matched controls (aged 6-24 months). RESULTS: The prevalence of one or more IgG subclass deficiencies was 31.6% in wheezing infants and 26.7% in controls. There was no significant difference in prevalence of IgG subclass deficiency between patients and controls (P > 0.05). The mean concentration of IgG subclasses in patients were compared with controls. There was no significant difference in mean serum concentration of IgG1, G2 and G3 subclasses. However, there was a trend towards higher concentrations of IgG4 in wheezing infants and this difference for IgG4 was significant (P < 0.01). Immunoglobulin G subclass deficiency was found in 25 and 36.4% of wheezing infants who had experienced from two to four and five or more wheezing episodes in 2 years, respectively (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that wheezing in infancy is not associated with IgG subclass deficiency, and in wheezing infants low IgG subclasses levels do not increase the frequency of wheezing. However, there is a relationship between recurrent wheezing and serum IgG4 subclass concentration.

Case-Control Studies↗
PubMed1994

Height and weight measurements of male Turkish adolescents according to biological maturation.

Eight hundred and seventy-nine Turkish male adolescents aged between 11 and 19 years were investigated with respect to their physical development. Bone ages were considered as well as chronological ages in determining biacromial (BAC), biiliac lengths (BIC) and chest circumference (CC). Different bone and chronological ages were obtained at the same chronological age (CA) and bone age (BA) columns. The importance of bone ages in evaluating an adolescent's physical development was shown to be as important as the chronological ages. In this study, the mean BAC, BIC and CC values between the same CA but different BA groups showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.001). When the measurements of two consecutive age groups who had the same CA and BA and who were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05) were compared, the maximum increments in BAC and BIC values which were between 13 and 14 years of age (2 and 1.4 cm, respectively) were similar to the maximum increment in height and weight of Turkish male adolescents found between 13 and 14 years of BA. The maximum increment in CC values which were between 14 and 15 years and 15 and 16 years (4.1 cm each) was 1 year after the maximum increment in height and weight for BA of Turkish male adolescents (13-14 years) and was similar to maximum weight increment for CA which was between 15 and 16 years.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Biacromical and biiliac length and chest circumference measurements of male Turkish adolescents according to biological maturation.

Adolescence is a period which is characterized by rapid physical growth and development of secondary sex characteristics. Male adolescence begins at 11-12 years of age and lasts approximately 5 years. During this interval, there is a growth spurt period which is observed any time between 11 and 16 years of age, lasting 2-3 years. Some authors claim that a male may have nearly 20-25% of his adult height and 50% of his adult weight during adolescence. When evaluating the maturational aspects of adolescence, it is essential to consider bone age (BA) as well as chronological age (CA). Bone age is the mean CA at which the skeletal maturation is normally attained. It is influenced by genetic, endocrinological and nutritional factors. An adolescent may not demonstrate the expected maturational steps if his BA is retarded. This report examines the relationship between CA, biological maturation and some anthropometrical measurements.

Acromion↗
PubMedDate not supplied

IgG subclasses in wheezing infants.

The wheezing infant is a common but difficult patient to approach diagnostically. The prevalence of IgG subclass antibody deficiency in wheezing infants is still controversial. We studied serum concentration of IgG subclasses in 38 wheezing infants (aged 6-24 months who had not received systemic steroids before investigation) and in 30 healthy age matched control (aged 6-24 months). The prevalence of one or more IgG subclass deficiency was 31.6% in wheezing infants and 26.7% in controls. There was no significant difference in prevalence of IgG subclass deficiency between patients and controls (p > 0.05). The mean concentration of IgG subclasses in patients were compared with controls. There was no significant difference in mean serum concentration of IgG1, G2 and G3 subclasses. But there was a trend towards higher concentrations of IgG4 in wheezing infants and this difference for IgG4 was significant (p < 0.01). However, IgG subclass deficiency was found in 25% and 36.4% of wheezing infants who had experienced from two to four and five or more wheezing episodes in two years, respectively (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that wheezing in infancy is not associated with IgG subclass deficiency and in wheezing infants low IgG subclass levels do not increase the frequency of wheezing.

Antibodies↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Results of the gastroesophageal reflux assessment in wheezy children.

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is implicated in the pathogenesis of respiratory symptoms in childhood. It should be taken into account especially in the differential diagnosis of children presenting with wheezing. Although, oesophageal pH monitorization has been reported to be the best technique in the evaluation of GER, radionuclide studies have also been shown to be very sensitive recently. In this study, 82 children presenting with recurrent wheezing (n = 74) and/or vomiting (n = 28) (mean age 17.4 months; range 3-48 months) were evaluated. GER scintigraphy was performed to determine the frequency of GER. GER was determined in 18 of the 82 cases (21.9%). The GER was found in 21.1% of children with recurrent wheezing and in 16.6% of children suffering from recurrent vomiting. GER scintigraphy should be kept in mind in the evaluation of children with the complaint of recurrent wheezing since it is a noninvasive and easily applicable method.

Age Factors↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The comparison of the efficacy of fluticasone propionate with cetirizine in perennial allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis is an IgE mediated hypersensitivity reaction of the nasal mucosa characterised by nasal discharge, obstruction, and pruritus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this study, 43 patients with perenneal allergic rhinitis were enrolled in order to compare the efficacy of Fluticasone Propionate (FP), a corticosteroid nasal spray, with Cetirizine, a systemic oral antihistaminic preparation, which is supposed to have nonsteroidal antiinflammatory activity. Cetirizine (10 mg daily as a single dose) was administered to 22 patient for 45 days. On the other hand, FP (400 micrograms/day) was administered into each nostril twice a day in the remaining 21 patients for 45 days. Skin test was obtained from each patient before therapy. Total eosinophil count, eosinophil count in nasal smear, electrorhinomanometric investigation, PGE2 and ratio of LTC4 to LTD4 both in the serum and in the nasal secretions were determined before and after therapy. In addition, percentage of eosinophils, and mast cells count in the biopsy specimens taken from anterior edge of middle choncha were evaluated before and after therapy, and than the results were graded for each patients. RESULTS: When we compared the eosinophil count in nasal smear, eosinophil percentage and total eosinophil parameters between two groups, it was shown that FP was more effective than Cetirizine. On the other hand, when we compared the ratio of LTC4 to LTD4 in serum and nasal smear, level of PGE2 and mast cell and nasal airway resistance measured by ERM, there were non statistical difference between two groups. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that FP and Cetirizine may be used alternatively in case of an adverse reaction to any of them.

Administration, Intranasal↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Lipoprotein profile in long term theophylline administration in children with asthma.

Atherosclerosis in childhood has a slowly progressive course and its clinical features usually become prominent in middle ages. Hypercholesterolemia is one of the major risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis. A clear correlation exists between hypercholesterolemia in childhood and atherosclerotic lesions extending into adulthood.In this study, we evaluated the effect of slow release theophylline (SRT) treatment on plasma lipid profile and assessed the risk for atherosclerotic coronary heart disease in children with bronchial asthma. Group 1 consisted of 15 children with a mean age of 10.8 3.19 years who received SRT for bronchial asthma for a mean period of 9.13 2.17 months. Group 2 was composed of 15 children with a mean age of 11.40 3.78 years and followed up for bronchial asthma, who received no SRT treatment. Group 3 comprised 15 children with a mean age of 9.00 3.76 years and no history of asthma or wheezing. In all patients lipid profiles were assessed by measuring levels of plasma triglyceride, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) apolipoprotein A (Apo-A) and apolipoprotein B (Apo-B). In group 1, the mean total cholesterol level was 175.53 24.36 mg/dl, LDL-C level was 91.00 24.07 mg/dl and Apo-B level was 87.27 12.74 mg/dl after SRT treatment. In group 1, group 2 (control group with asthma) and group 3 (the non-asthmatic control group), the mean plasma lipid level after SRT treatment was significantly higher than that before SRT treatment. In conclusion, long-term SRT treatment in children with bronchial asthma may alter lipid profile and may increase the risk for developing atherosclerotic coronary heart disease.

Anti-Asthmatic Agents↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Retrospective evaluation of epidermal skin prick tests in patients living in Aegean region.

Sensitization to aeroallergens of Aegean region is not well decumented. In this study we evaluated the epidermal skin prick test results of the patients who applied to allergy outpatient department retrospectively. Epidermal skin prick test of the 5055 patients were evaluated. Of these patients 2638 (52 %) were female, 2417 (48 %) male, 1213 (24 %) adult and 3842 (76 %) pediatric patient, 1163 (23 %) patients were allergic rhinitis, 2477 (49 %) were bronchial asthma, 505 (10 %) were allergic rhinitis with bronchial asthma, 556 (11 %) were chronic urticaria, 253 (5 %) were wheezy infant and 101 (2 %) patients were atopic dermatitis, 2932 (58 %) had atopy history in their first and second degree relatives. Patients were aged between 3.5 months and 79 years (mean 14.1 3.2 years and median 11 years). In epidermal skin prick tests sensitization to house dust mites (D. farinae, D. pteroniyssinus), pollens (grass, cereals and trees), moulds, animal danders, foods (especially in early childhood) and cockroach were evaluated. Our data indicate that allergens that may be the cause of the high prevalence of allergic diseases in Izmir are probably produced by pollens and mites.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Evaluation of montelukast in 8 to 14 year old children with mild persistent asthma and compared with inhaled corticosteroids.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical effectiveness, tolerability and reliability of montelukast and to compare this drug with inhaled corticosteroids. METHODS: We performed a randomized, 14-week, 2-period, prospective parallel group study. After a 2-week run-in period, patients received treatment for 12 weeks. Sixty-three clinically stable outpatients aged 8 to 14 years with a history of mild persistent asthma for at least 1 year and a forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) greater than 80 % of the predicted value were evaluated. RESULTS: Montelukast produced improvement in airway obstruction, daily symptom scores, total daily as-needed beta-agonist use, nocturnal awakenings, percentage of days and percentage of patients with asthma exacerbations, and urinary leukotriene E4 levels. These beneficial effects were similar to those produced by inhaled corticosteroids. There were no significant adverse effects requiring treatment discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: Montelukast may be a well-tolerated and effective therapeutic option in 8 to 14-year-old patients with mild persistent asthma.

Acetates↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The effects of L-carnitine on respiratory function tests in children undergoing chronic hemodialysis.

Respiratory functions are affected during hemodialysis. Ultrafiltration rate, acid-base balance and the strength of respiratory muscles have been suggested as important factors in adults undergoing chronic hemodialysis. L-carnitine is crucial for energy producing utilization fatty acid and, possible amino acids. Carnitine treatment has been associated with hypertrophy of type I muscle fibers. Carnitine supplementation in nondialysis patients increases exercise tolerance. Eventually, administration of L-carnitine to adult hemodialysis patients improves exercise capacity, energy metabolism and muscle mass. The study was performed to investigate the chronic effects of L-carnitine treatment on respiratory functions in children receiving chronic hemodialysis therapy. Predialytic and postdialytic respiratory function tests were performed in ten children with end-stage renal disease before and after a three-month L-carnitine treatment period. The mean age was 12 +/- 4 years. L-carnitine was administered at a dose of 20 mg/kg intravenously at the end of each hemodialysis session. Mean predialytic serum carnitine value before and after the carnitine treatment period were 21.8 +/- 3 and 132.0 +/- 48.5 mmol/L, respectively, and the increase was significant (p < 0.05). Respiratory function tests performed just before the carnitine treatment period implied bronchospasm that was clinically vague and could only be detected by a significant decrease in FEV1/FVC, PEF and FEF25-75 values (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, at the end of the three-month carnitine therapy period these respiratory function parameters did not show any significant variation. Hence, it is implied that carnitine therapy might have prevented the subclinic bronchospasm that developed in children during hemodialysis.

Adolescent↗