Biomedical subjects

Tadeusz Płusa

Publications and source records attributed to Tadeusz Płusa.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

[Tiotropium as new quality medication in the COPD management].

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is heterogenous syndrome characterised by irreversible progressive airflow limitation caused mainly by tobacco smoking. In the continous bronchomotor tone of normal airways has a cholinergic component mediated via muscarinic cholinergic receptors. Cholinolitic bronchodilators act by blocking muscarinic receptors participate. Tiotropium bromide is an cholinolitic bronchodilatator that antagonises muscarinic receptors and dissociates more slowly from M1 and M3 than from M2 and subsequently has a long duration of action. Tiotropium reduces the number of exacerbations, increases time to first exacerbation and improves lung function significant compared with ipratiopium. Tiotropium produces superior bronchodilation, improvements in dyspnea, health related quality of life compared to ipratropium and salmeterol in patients with COPD. The use of tiotropium is associated with sustained reduction of lung hyperinflation at rest and during exercise. Tiotropium in combination with pulmonary rehabilitation produces clinically improvement in dyspnea, health status endurance of constant work compared to pulmonary rehabilitation alone. Many studies support the use of tiotropium once-daily as first line maintenance treatment in patients with COPD.

Bronchodilator Agents↗

PubMed2006

[Primary tracheobronchial amyloidosis].

The primary tracheo-bronchial amyloidosis is a rare entity with long lasting and progressive course. Precise diagnosis can be established on the basis of pathological features seen in samples derived from the airways, obtained during fibreoptic bronchoscopy or during lung biopsy sometimes. Describing the case of an insidious course of primary tracheobronchial AL type amyloidoisis, that was initially recognised and treated as a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The authors represent its clinical course and the diagnostic difficulties. The changes in the respiratory tract, both radiological and endoscopic suggested a tuberculous or proliferative process. They were responsible for a severe increasing dyspnoea, due to bronchial obstruction, with muco-haemoptic expectoration. A forceps resection of the endobronchial lesions enabled to established the right diagnosis and further treatment limited to local procedures.

Amyloidosis↗

PubMed2006

[Severe acute respiratory syndrome].

Towards the end of 2002 it was the epidemic'outbreak of very severe atypical pneumonia of unknown cause. 32 countries were affected. During 7 months about 8000 cases and 900 fatalities were reported. World Health Organization defined the new disease as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Thanks to the international investigations the etiologic factor of the disease was quickly identified. New coronavirus was described. It allowed the introduction of new more effective methods of disease' identification. In SARS treatment there are applied antiviral drugs and glicocorticosteroids.

Communicable Disease Control↗

PubMed2005

Influence of air pollution on pulmonary function in healthy young men from different regions of Poland.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of air pollution on pulmonary function parameters in healthy non-smoking young men. The study comprised 1,278 healthy, non-smoking young men (aged 18-23) living in Poland in regions with different levels of air pollution. The examined population was divided into three groups A, B, and C, based on low, moderate and high air pollution levels, respectively. Spirometry and bodyphletysmography at rest were performed by using of mobile lab PNEUMOBIL. Lung function parameters were analyzed and compared with respect to the level of air pollution. The mean values of the pulmonary function parameters were within the limits in all groups, but we observed statistically significant differences between the groups (lowest mean values in group C and the highest in group A). In all groups we found persons with significant airflow limitation in the central and peripheral bronchi, defined as the decrease of FEV(1) %FVC ratio <70 and FEV(1)<80 % of predicted value (central bronchi), and FEV(1) %FVC ratio >70, FEF(50)<70 % predicted (peripheral bronchi). The percentage of persons with airflow limitation in the central bronchi was in group A (0.3 %), B (0.4 %) and C (1.4 %). The incidence of flow limitation in small bronchi was as follows: in group A (1.2 %), B (0.5 %) and C (6.7 %). The majority of factors defining the capacity of lungs as well as the intensity of the airflow showed a negative correlation with the concentrations of the basic air pollution (SO(2), NO(2), PM(10)). Our study showed, for the first time, the influence of air pollution on pulmonary function parameters in healthy non-smoking young men in the Polish population.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

[Fenspiride in patients with acute bronchitis].

UNLABELLED: Fenspiride is an anti-inflammatory drug that may have a role in inhibition of histamine receptor H1 and influence a production of archidonic acid metabolites. AIM: The efficacy and tolerance of fenspiride therapy have been performed in patients with acute bronchitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 597 patients, 51% females and 49% males, aged 39+/-18 years, were observed because of acute bronchitis. Fenspiride (Eurespal, Servier) was given in a dose of 240 mg per day (80 mg three times daily) for 14 consecutive days. During two following medical examinations - after 7 and 14 days of treatment, clinical symptoms of disease, therapy efficacy and tolerance were determined. RESULTS: Mean duration of acute bronchitis before fenspiride therapy was 2.3+/-1.3 days. In most of the patients (72%) a moderate, and in 27% mild degree of disease was diagnosed. Only 1% of patients were diagnosed as severe. Total evaluation of fenspiride efficacy in examined patients with acute bronchitis showed complete relief of symptoms after 7 days of therapy in 24% and after 14 days in 87% of patients. In 6% of patients after 7 days and in 1% after 14 days of fenspiride therapy no improvement was obtained. 28 adverse reactions were determined in 26 patients (4.3%): vertigo in 7, nausea in 6, somnolence in 5, palpitations in 4, fatigue in 2, abdominal pain in 2 and other symptoms in 2 patients. In 8 patients the therapy was discontinued after 7 days because of adverse reactions. CONCLUSIONS: In performed observations in patients with acute bronchitis the high clinical efficacy of fenspiride therapy. In 12% of patients an antibiotic support was necessary to obtain relief of the symptoms. Very good tolerance of the 14 days therapy was determined and it is recommended for safe clinical application.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2005

[Influence of Broncho-Vaxom treatment on serum concentration of metalloproteinase-9 in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

UNLABELLED: Immunomodulatory activity of bacterial extracts such as Broncho-Vaxom results in stimulation of different immune cells, increase of expression of proinflammatory cytokines and enhancement of resistance to infection. Lyophilized extracts from bacteria are particularly recommended for patients with chronic respiratory tract diseases, in whom infectious exacerbations irreversibly worsen lung damage. Despite the fact that treatment with bacterial lysates is considered safe, it is not clear if such immunomodulation does not negatively affect the proteinase--antiproteinase balance in patients with COPD. AIM OF THE STUDY: Evaluation of influence of treatment with Broncho-Vaxom on the concentration of metalloproteinase-9 in serum of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty one patients with moderate COPD were included in the study The patients were divided into two groups: smokers and nonsmokers. Each patient received Broncho-Vaxom for the first ten days each month for three consecutive months. The patients were examined twice: before treatment and in the third month of treatment. During each visit clinical symptoms of COPD were assessed, spirometric tests and blood tests were performed, the concentrations of immunoglobulins, C-reactive protein and metalloproteinase-9 in serum (MMP-9) were measured. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the groups in predicted value of FEV1%, concentrations of immunoglobulins and C-reactive protein in serum and the number of leukocytes in blood after treatment with Broncho-Vaxom. A significant decrease of intensity of COPD symptoms in both groups after immunostimulatory treatment was observed. There were no differences in metalloproteinase-9 concentration in serum between the smokers and nonsmokers. Administration of bacterial extract did not significantly influence MMP-9 concentration in serum of the patients. RESULTS: Treatment with Broncho-Vaxom does not increase the concentration of metalloproteinase-9 in serum of patients with COPD, while it decreases the symptoms of stable COPD.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMed2005

[Ciclesonide in the treatment of patients with bronchial asthma].

Inhaled glucocorticosteroids are the first choice drugs in the treating of patients with chronic bronchial asthma. Despite the fact that they are considered safe, in some percentage of patients they may cause local and even systemic side effects. Most of those side effects result from low lung / body deposition index of many glucocorticosterois and action of active metabolites of the drugs already in the oral cavity and throat. Ciclesonide is a new steroid characterized by clinical efficacy comparable to that of fluticasone and a lower risk of side effects. Ciclesonide is a prodrug, which is converted into an active metabolite by lung esterases only in the peripheral airways. Due to the use of a novel aerosol propellant--hydrofluoroalkane, available ciclesonide preparations are characterized by a high lung deposition. It is also characterized by low absorption to the systemic circulation. The article presents an current knowledge on pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy and safety of ciclesonide in patients with bronchial asthma.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed2005

[Influence of nicotine addiction on telomerase activity in malignant non-small cell lung tumors].

Telomerase synthesizes telomeric DNA repeats at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes and inhibits the natural senescence of different cells. Its increased activity in malignant tumors is considered to be an independent prognostic factor of the disease course. Aim of the study was valuation of influence of prolonged tobacco smoking on telomerase expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The study comprised 33 patients with NSCLC (divided into two groups: smokers - n=21 and nonsmokers n=12), who had telomerase activity quantitatively assessed (PCR-ELISAPLUS, ROCHE, Mannheim, Germany) in aspirates collected from peripheral lung tumors through transthoracic fine-needle biopsy. No statistically significant differences were found between the studied groups with regard to the clinical stage of tumor. Telomerase activity in biopsy samples from smoking patients was higher than in samples from nonsmoking patients (statistically insignificant difference p=0.09). It was found that telomerase activity in tumor cells was significantly lower in patients smoking less than 40 pack years in comparison to patients smoking more than 40 pack-years (p=0.01). Telomerase activity in NSCLC cells correlated significantly with clinical stage of tumor in all the patients (r=0.66 for nonsmokers and r=0.58 for smokers; p< or =0.01), and in the smokers' group - additionally with pack-years (r=0.47; p=0.04). Tobacco smoking by patients with non-small cell lung cancer increases telomerase activity in tumor cells.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

[Relationship between disease severity, smoking index age and direct costs of hospital treatment of COPD exacerbations].

The aim of the study was the evaluation of influence of age, intensity of smoking habit and FEV1 value on the costs of inhospital treatment of COPD exacerbations. 71 cases of COPD exacerbation in current smoking males hospitalized in the Military Institute of Health Service in Warsaw were analyzed. The mean age of subjects was 68.8 +/- 9.5, the mean predicted value of FEV1 49.2 +/- 20.2% and the mean period of hospitalization 7.1 +/- 2.9 days. The mean smoking index (expressed in pack-years) was 41.9 +/- 17.7. The mean direct expenditure for treatment of COPD exacerbation per person amounted to PLN 2187.8 +/- 941.6 and included the cost of medical care PLN 1375.9 +/- 573.6, the cost of drugs PLN 393.3 +/- 287.5 and the cost of additional examinations PLN 415.5 +/- 200.4. In statistical analysis, multiple regression model was used and partial correlation coefficients were calculated for significantly different variables. No influence of age and predicted FEV1 value on the costs of COPD exacerbation was found. A significant relationship was found between the smoking index (expressed in pack-years) and disease severity, on the one side, and the direct costs of exacerbation treatment (r=0.281 and r=0.301 respectively, p<0.05). In active smokers male with COPD, smoking index and degree of the disease severity are independent factors, which equally strong determine the direct costs of hospital treatment of COPD exacerbation.

Age Distribution↗

PubMed2004

[The effect of air pollution on pulmonary function in young men from different regions of Poland].

UNLABELLED: The aim of study was to evaluate possible influence of air pollution on pulmonary function in the population of 1278 healthy non-smoking young men (18-23 years old) from different parts of Poland. Poland was divided into three regions depending on different concentration of SO2, NO2 and airborne particulate matter (PM10) in the air: region 1 comprised North Poland--agricultural areas with the lowest concentrations of pollution, region 2 comprised Central Poland--big agglomerations with moderate air pollution, region 3 comprised South Poland--big agglomerations and industrial centres with the highest pollution level. Subjects were divided further according to a study place (North Group--subjects from region 1, Central Group--subjects from region 2 and South Group--subjects from region 3). Spirometry and bodypletysmography were performed at rest by using of mobile lab PNEUMOBIL (Jaeger). The results of the study were statistically analysed with the use computer packet Statistica. RESULTS OF THE STUDY: Significant decrease of medium values of pulmonary function test (PFT) was observed in the non-smokers from the region of increased air pollution (South Group) in comparison to the non-smokers from the region of low pollution level (North Group).

Adult↗

PubMed2004

[Ciclesonid--new generation of inhaled glucocorticosteroid].

Inhaled corticosteroids with long acting beta 2-mimetics have become the mainstay of therapy for patients with asthma. The clinical and biological activity of the inhaled corticosteroids expressed as anti-inflammatory effect depends on their bioavailability, receptor affinity, lipophility, half-life terminal elimination and molecule value. Ciclesonide as a novel corticosteroid itself is inactive and used as prodrug form and needs to be cleaved by pulmonary esterases to acquire anti-inflammatory activity. Due to its quick initial activity, long clinical effectiveness in dose range of 100-800 micrograms/day, rather mild side effects, Ciclesonide is efficacious as a local potency anti-inflammatory drug.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed2004

[Epidemiology of bronchial asthma].

Epidemiology of bronchial asthma is analyzed in many trials over the world. The prevalence of disease is dependent to genetic and environmental factors. Some connections have been shown in the paper. The data from international programs focused on allergic diseases have been presented in relation to our observations.

Asthma↗

PubMed2004

[Epidemiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of death and disability in many countries over the world. Prevalence of COPD is difficult to evaluate because of clinical similarity to bronchial asthma, and changes in diagnostic standards. Actually about 8-35% patients are suffering because of COPD. In Poland this problem was described only in some regional trials. For this reason the program for prevalence of COPD has to be established according to contemporary diagnostic and therapeutic standards.

Asthma↗

PubMed2004

[Clinical effectiveness of synergic therapy].

The coadministration of long-acting inhaled beta2-agonists and inhaled corticosteroids is the most effective treatment for persistent asthma. It is often assumed that there is synergy between these medications. Many studied mostly extensively as a maintenance therapy for patients with persistent asthma, the combination inhaler is at least equivalent to its components administered separately and is superior to monotherapy with salmeterol/formoterol or inhaled corticosteroid in both pediatric and adult populations. The combination has a logical role in the treatment of moderate-to-severe asthma, offering the advantage of increased convenience and possibly improved compliance. In addition to improvements in lung function, symptom scores and quality of life, the combination therapy reduces exacerbation rates, an outcome that contributes to favorable cost-effectiveness.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed2004

[Treatment of bronchial asthma exacerbation].

The purpose of this study was to present the actual possibilities of bronchial asthma exacerbation control. The role of viral infection, especially, human metapneumovirus infection may be a leading cause of disease exacerbation in children population. Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux had been detected in 24% of asthmatic patients, in some cases as a cause of asthma exacerbation. Glucocorticosteroid therapy is accepted as cardinal in asthma exacerbation, but some adverse effects create a control limit.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

PubMed2004

[Retrospective analysis of direct costs of hospital treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations].

A one-year retrospective analysis of 175 cases of COPD exacerbation was conducted. A relationship was established between expenses, on the one side, age, smoking habit and pulmonary function tests results, on the other. The mean direct expenditure for hospital treatment of COPD exacerbation per person amounted to PLN 2374.9 +/- (1040.7) (PLN 1690.8 +/- 581.8 for exacerbation of mild COPD, PLN 2221.9 +/- 815.9 for exacerbation of moderate COPD and PLN 2961.4 +/- 1345.9 for exacerbation of severe COPD). A significant relationship was found between the costs of drugs and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1%) and forced vital capacity (FVC%) (accordingly r = -0.19 and r = -0.26; p < or = 0.05). Smoking habit had significant influence on the costs of therapy only in men (r = 0.22; p < or = 0.05). Age did not have serious influence on the costs. The direct costs of COPD exacerbations in women were significantly higher than in men (accordingly: PLN 2723.3 +/- 1209.9 and 2206.7 +/- 906.9; p = 0.005). Pulmonary function test results, severity of disease and female sex are relevant factors influencing the direct costs of hospital treatment of COPD exacerbations.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

[Technetium99 labelled synthetic somatostatin analogue (depreotide) in the diagnosis of peripheral solitary pulmonary nodules].

UNLABELLED: Lung carcinoma is one of the most common neoplasms, both in men and women. Many methods are employed within diagnostics approaches in oncology, among them are radiological, endoscopic, cytological and isotopic ones. Synthetic proteins labelled with gallium (Ga67), indium (In111) or technetium (Tc99) binding with receptors localised on cells surface enable scintigraphic determination of intensive uptake sites. The aim of the study was to asses clinical usefulness of technetium99 labelled synthetic somatostatin analogue (depreotide) in the diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules. Thirty one patients (19 men and 12 women) with isolated peripheral pulmonary lesions in chest X-ray examination were included into the study. All patients received intravenous infusion of synthetic protein compound, trifluorodepreotide acetate labelled with technetium99, with radio activity of 555-740 MBq (mega Becquerel) [Neospect--Nycomed Amersham, UK]. Radiopharmaceutical uptake was determined by two-head gamma camera according SPECT method (single photon emission computed tomography) after 3-4 hours after an injection. Intensive radiopharmaceutical uptake by abnormal lesions was found in 22 patients (71%), however in 9 (29%) it was not found in the sites of radiological changes. Among 22 patients with intensive uptake, in 17 (77%) patients a diagnosis of carcinoma was confirmed and in 5 patients benign lesions were diagnosed. In the group of 5 patients without marker uptake single case of carcinoma was found and in 4 benign lesions. Four patients refused further invasive diagnostic procedures. The sensitivity of this method was 94% with a specificity of 44%. No serious adverse clinical reactions associated with 99Tc depreotide were observed. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Technetium99 labelled synthetic somatostatin analogue [(depreotide) (NeoSpect)] is safe in pulmonological and oncological clinical diagnostics. 2. The use of this compound is a valuable scintigraphic, supplementary method to qualify patients for further invasive diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary solitary nodules.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

[Influence of chronic glucocorticosteroid therapy on fat free mass in women with severe bronchial asthma].

During lifetime many changes in biochemical and morphological body composition take place. In women those changes are extremely rapid after menopause. Catabolic influence of steroid therapy is an additional factor inducing body composition disturbances. In this study the influence of chronic steroid therapy on fat free mass (FFM) was assessed in postmenopausal women with severe bronchial asthma. The study was performed on 89 (57 study group and 32 control group). Bone mass density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC) as well as soft tissue FFM in different parts of the body were measured with dual x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). A cumulative steroids doses were calculated retrospectively for each female with bronchial asthma. The achieved data were statistically analysed. It has been concluded that a long-term systemic steroid therapy in post-menopausal women with severe bronchial asthma has as strong influence on demineralisation of the bones as on the decrease of the soft tissue FFM. The systemic steroids mainly leads to the loss of the FFM in the lower limbs. Inhaled steroids do not aggravate changes in body FFM content.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗