Biomedical subjects

Z Siergiejko

Publications and source records attributed to Z Siergiejko.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Cyclophosphamide reduces neutrophilic alveolitis in patients with scleroderma lung disease: a retrospective analysis of serial bronchoalveolar lavage investigations.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether cyclophosphamide is beneficial for patients with scleroderma lung disease (SLD). METHODS: The effect of 6 months' treatment with intravenous cyclophosphamide on the functional capacity of patients, lung function tests, high resolution computed tomography of the lungs, and cytology of bronchoalveolar lavage was evaluated in 21 patients with SLD. RESULTS: The treatment was well tolerated and all patients completed 6 months' treatment. Intravenous cyclophosphamide stabilised or improved the patients' functional status and lung function tests. The extent of the lungs affected remained unchanged, as assessed with HRCT of the lungs. Patients with SLD and neutrophilic alveolitis (NA) showed greater improvement than patients with normal levels of granulocytes in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Significant reduction of neutrophils was also seen in the patients with SLD and NA, whereas no significant change was seen in the level of granulocytes in patients with SLD and an initially normal percentage of granulocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Previous reports that patients with SLD with increased levels of granulocytes in BALF are more likely to benefit from treatment with intravenous cyclophosphamide are confirmed. Additionally, clinical improvement in this group of patients is accompanied by a significant decrease in the percentage of granulocytes in BALF.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Equivalent asthma control and systemic safety of inhaled budesonide delivered via HFA-134a or CFC propellant in a broad range of doses.

The aim of the present study was to demonstrate an equivalent asthma control and safety of inhaled budesonide 200 microg unit-dose via a spacer device (Jet Spacer, Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A.) given with an HFA-134a or CFC propellant in stable patients treated with inhaled corticosteroids. A total number of 270 patients, 134 in the HFA-134a group and 136 in the CFC group, completed a 2-week run-in period and were then randomised to receive a daily dose of inhaled budesonide (low dose: 400 microg, medium dose: 800 microg, high dose: 1200 or 1600 microg), defined on the basis of the dose of previous inhaled steroids given twice daily for 12 weeks. Morning and evening PEFR, intake of rescue salbutamol, number of day-time and night-time asthma attacks, number of night-time awakenings due to asthma and clinical symptoms were recorded daily by patients on diary cards. Pulmonary function tests (FEV1, FVC, PEFR and MEF50) and vital signs were measured at the clinics at study entry, at the start of treatment and after 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks thereafter. Morning serum cortisol (8.00-10.00 AM) was measured at baseline and in the final visit. Adverse events and vital signs were recorded throughout the total study period. Small increases vs. baseline for lung function (more markedly in the high-dose subsets) and significant decreases of symptoms and use of rescue salbutamol were similarly observed in both groups. Equivalence was demonstrated for the primary endpoint morning PEFR (difference between means = -1.51 l/min; 95% CI: -9.40-6.37 l/min; pre-defined limits: +/- 42.16 l/min, i.e. +/- 10% of the reference LSM) as well as for evening PEFR and FEV1, both in the ITT population or on a per-protocol basis. No statistically significant differences between groups were observed in any of the other efficacy variables. A similar proportion of drug-related adverse events was observed in the two groups, without drug-related serious events in either group. No evidence of adrenal depletion was also noted with both propellants. In conclusion, the budesonide HFA-134a formulation given with a spacer device provided an equivalent asthma control with that of a corresponding CFC product, when administered in stable patients treated with inhaled corticosteroids in a broad range of daily doses. The use of the new propellant did not modify the safety profile of inhaled budesonide.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed2001

[Differential cell count of sputum in patients with asthma challenged with allergen provocation].

Inhalation of hypertonic saline aerosol is a noninvasive method of obtaining sputum for examination of inflammatory processes in the airways. The aim of our investigation was to evaluate the effect of the bronchial provocation test with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus on both total and differential cell counts in the sputum of allergic asthma patients. The studies were carried out on 20 mild or moderate allergic asthmatics. In each case the studies were performed on three consecutive days. Sputum was induced on the first day of the study, the next day the bronchial provocation test with the allergen was performed and on the last day the sputum induction was repeated again. Twenty-four hours after the allergen challenge an increase in the total cell count and in eosinophils and a decrease in the percentage of macrophages were found in the induced sputum. The above changes were more marked in the patients demonstrating the dual asthmatic reaction after allergen challenge.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[The effect of specific immunotherapy on bronchial hyperreactivity in patients with bronchial asthma].

The aim of the paper was to answer the question, weather specific immunotherapy affected bronchial hyperreactivity in asthmatic patients. The authors used their own results of specific immunotherapy studies and those found in the literature. From these data the following conclusions were formulated: 1. Specific immunotherapy decreases specific bronchial hyperreactivity. The improvement is seen both in the early and late asthmatic reactions. 2. No significant effects of specific immunotherapy on nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity were found. 3. In order to find an unequivocal answer to the question above multicenter studies on a representative group of patients based on the same protocol and lasting for at least 5 years are necessary.

Asthma↗

PubMed2000

[Usefulness of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergen extract from the Allergopharma J.G. Company for bronchial provocation in patients with bronchial asthma].

The value of Dpt allergen extract, produced by Allergopharma J.G., for performance of the bronchial provocation test in asthmatics was evaluated. The studies were carried out in 40 asthmatics with positive skin prick test with Dpt. Bronchial provocation test was performed according to Ryan's method. After an allergen inhalation, an early asthmatic reaction (EAR) and late asthmatic reaction (LAR) may appear. The following results were observed: a dual asthmatic reaction (EAR and LAR)--in 19 persons, the EAR--only in 9 patients, and the LAR--only in 1 patient. The negative result of the provocation were found in 11 patients. The frequency of particular patterns of the bronchial reactions was similar to those published before by us and other authors, with different allergen extracts. The allergen extract of Dpt from Allergopharma J.G. can be used to bronchial challenge.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

[The effect of sputum induction on spirometry parameters in patients with bronchial asthma].

Evaluation of differential cell count and biochemical parameters in sputum seems to be a valuable method in asthma studies. The purpose of the paper was to evaluate the effects of sputum induction alone and after fenoterol and salmeterol premedication, on spirometry in asthma patients. The another aim of the study was to observe the correlation between bronchial hyperreactivity and decreases in FEV1 and MEF50 in asthmatics during sputum induction. The studies were carried out on 20 mild to moderate asthma patients (FEV1 baseline 79 +/- 16% of the predicted values) who inhaled an increasing concentration of hypertonic saline (3%, 4% and 5%), using an ultrasonic nebuliser. The forced expiratory volume in one second and MEF50, as the good indicators of bronchial obturation, were evaluated. During the sputum induction significant decreases in FEV1 and MEF50 were observed, which were proportional to the concentration of NaCl. After inhalation of 3% of NaCl the mean of FEV1 was 87.2 +/- 12.7% of the baseline, after 4%--84.3 +/- 16.9% and 5%--77.4 +/- 19.8%. No significant correlation between bronchial hyperreactivity and the induced decreases in FEV1 and MEF50 were found. Fenoterol and salmeterol fully prevented bronchial obturation during sputum induction.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed1998

[The effect of salmeterol on specific and non-specific bronchial response in allergic asthma patients].

The effect of a single dose of salmeterol, long-term, regular treatment with salmeterol and a termination of the therapy on specific and non-specific bronchial reactivity were evaluated. The effect of the therapy on serum ECP level was studied too. The studies were carried out in a group of 16 mild asthmatics sensitive to mite allergens. Both types of bronchial challenges were performed according to Ryan's method. Blood samples to evaluate the ECP level were collected before treatment and on the day before the last day of the study. The single dose of 50 micrograms of salmeterol taken 3 hours before bronchial challenge significantly decreased the bronchial response to histamine (the average PC20FEV1 value increased about a four fold after salmeterol) and to the Dpt allergen (PD20FEV1 increased 3.5 fold). No effect of salmeterol on LAR was observed. Bronchial reactivity to histamine was significantly lower in the period of the therapy and did not differ from the baseline 12 hours after stopping the treatment. PD20FEV1 Dpt during the therapy was about 3 fold higher than the baseline but 36 hours after stopping the treatment did not differ from the baseline. Although the patients had inhaled a 3-fold higher dose of allergen to induce EAR, the frequency of LAR did not change. No anti-inflammatory effect of salmeterol was observed.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

[Clinical evaluation of 12 week salmeterol therapy in allergic asthma patients].

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of salmeterol in asthma therapy. The study was performed on a group of 16 allergic asthma patients sensitive to house dust mite allergens. After a run-in period the patients were treated with salmeterol, 2 x 50 micrograms, for a period of 12 weeks. They noted an intensity of asthma symptoms, morning and evening PEF, beta 2-agonist consumption and adverse in their diary cards. On the visit to the clinic spirometry was performed. During the treatment a significant reduction in the symptom score, PEF variation, beta-agonist consumption and an increase in the value of morning and evening PEF were noted. The above results indicate the great efficacy of salmeterol in asthma therapy.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

[Evaluation of the enhaled glucocorticosteroid effect on non-specific and specific bronchial reactivity with particular reference to the late inflammatory phase in atopic asthma patients. I. The effect of a single dose of budesonide R on specific and non-specific bronchial reactivity].

The effect of a single dose of 320 micrograms of budesonide R on specific and non-specific bronchial response was evaluated. The study was carried out on a group of 12 patients suffering from mild allergic asthma, sensitive to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (D. pteronyssinus). On the first day the bronchial provocation test (BPT) with metacholine was performed, and the next day the effect of a single dose of the drug studied on bronchial response to metacholine was evaluated. On the third day sBPT with D. pteronyssinus allergen was performed. The allergen challenge could induce an early (EAR) and a late asthmatic reaction (LAR). After the BPT with the allergen, a 42 days' run-out period was required to eliminate the effects of the allergen provocation on the results of the next tests. Before the evaluation of the effect of budesonide on the allergen challenge, the non-specific response to metacholine was checked again. The results indicate that a single dose of budesonide R does not affect non-specific and specific bronchial response.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

[Evaluation of the inhaled glucocorticosteroid effects on non specific bronchial reactivity with particular reference to the late inflammatory phase in atopic asthma patients. II. The effect of regular administration of budesonide R on specific and non-specific bronchial reactivity].

The purpose of the study was to determine whether regular administration of budesonide R decreases inflammation, specific and non-specific bronchial hyperreactivity in allergic asthma patients. The studies were carried out on 16 patients suffering from mild to moderate allergic asthma, sensitive to D. pteronyssinus allergen. After performance of the specific and non-specific bronchial provocation tests, collection of blood samples for an ECP evaluation, the patients were regularly treated with budesonide R, 2 x 320 micrograms for a period of 8 weeks. At the end of the study the BPTs and blood collection were repeated. BPTs with methacholine and D. pteronyssinus were performed according to Ryan's method. After the allergen challenge, early (EAR) and late asthmatic reaction (LAR) were to be observed. After the therapy non-specific BHR to methacholine expressed as PC20FEV1 and specific BHR to allergen (PD20FEV1D. pteronyssinus) and serum ECP concentrations decreased significantly. Although after the treatment with budesonide R, the patients had to inhale much larger amounts of allergen, in order to induce EAR, the number of LAR did not change significantly. After treatment the LAR appeared about 1 hour later and the decrease in FEV1 was less than previously. We conclude that budesonide R decreases the intensity of the inflammation and BHR.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

[Usefulness of allergen extract Aquagen SQ-Dpt for administering bronchial provocation tests].

The value of the allergen extract, Aquagen SQ-Dpt, for performance of the bronchial provocation test in allergic asthma patients was evaluated. The studies were carried out on 117 patients suffering from allergic mite asthma. Bronchial challenge was performed according to Ryan's method. After an allergen inhalation, an early asthmatic reaction (EAR) and a late asthmatic reaction (LAR) may appear. In our studies a dual reaction (EAR and LAR) was observed in 53.8% of the patients, the EAR only in 27.4% and the LAR only in 2 patients. The subjects with the dual response demonstrated a higher sensitivity to the allergen than those with only the EAR. A positive, statistically significant correlation between specific and non-specific bronchial hyperreactivity was found. The frequency of the appearance particular patterns of the bronchial responses was similar to those published by other authors, using different allergen extracts. Aquagen SQ-Dpt can be used to perform of the sBPT.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

[Evaluation of efficacy and tolerance of an antiasthmatic preparation--Ditec, consisting of low doses of disodium cromoglycate and fenoterol].

The efficacy, tolerance and, in addition, the effect of the antiasthmatic drug-Ditec, consisting of low doses disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) and fenoterol on bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) were evaluated. The studies were carried out on a group of 22 mild asthma patients aged from 10 to 20 years. The patients took DSCG during the first four weeks and then were treated with Ditec, 4 x 2 puffs, for next four weeks. The following parameters were evaluated: symptom score, beta 2-agonist "taken on demand" consumption, spirometry, morning and evening PEF, and possible adverse effects. Decreases in the symptom score, beta 2-agonist consumption (mainly in Ditec period) and increase in PEF during the study were noted. The low doses of DSCG contained in Ditec were as effective as the 80 mg of this drug given previously. No statistically significant decrease in BHR after DSCG treatment was observed. At the end of the Ditec therapy, BHR to histamine markedly diminished. Because the last doses of Ditec were taken 2 hours before the bronchial provocation test with histamine, the increase in tolerance of histamine, mentioned above, was probably only due to the so-called acute effect of beta 2-agonist on BHR. Ditec seems to be a valuable antiasthmatic drug, especially for children and young persons. Unfortunately, our studies did not answer the additional question whether regular treatment with Ditec changes BHR.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

[Value of a specific bronchial provocation test in comparison with other methods in diagnosis of atopic bronchial asthma].

The aim of this study was to determine the relation between specific Bronchial Provocation Test (sBPT), the serum specific IgE level (sIgE) and specific basophil histamine release (Dpt HR) in asthma patients, sensitive to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dpt). The studies were carried out on 30 mild asthma patients with positive case history and strongly positive skin tests with Dpt. In all the patients were performed following tests: BPT with histamine, serum specific IgE level against Dpt (sIgE Dpt), spontaneous basophil HR (spHR), anti-IgE depended basophil HR (aIgE HR), Dpt depended basophil HR (Dpt HR), sBPT with Dpt (sBPT Dpt). The positive results of sBPT Dpt were observed in 27 patients. Twenty six of them had the early¿ asthmatic response (EAR) at least, 19--dual asthmatic response (EAR and LAR) and isolated late asthmatic response (LAR) demonstrated only one patient. The correlation coefficient (r) between sIgE and Dpt HR was 0.4 p < 0.04, between sIgE and sBPT Dpt r = -0.4, p < 0.03, and between sBPT Dpt and Dpt HR r = -0.37, p < 0.05. The results showed a significant correlation between sIgE and Dpt HR, sIgE and sBPT Dpt, sBPT Dpt and Dpt HR and these tests appear to be of value in casual diagnosis of allergic bronchial asthma, but only sBPT makes possible to observe LAR.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

[Specific immunotherapy in patients with bronchial asthma hypersensitive to housedust mites].

An efficacy and effects of immunotherapy (IT) on skin and bronchial reactivity, and serum levels of some immunoglobulins in mite asthma patients were evaluated. A usefulness of some tests was assessed additionally. The studies were carried out on 37 asthmatics. Thirty of them were treated with Alutard SQ and 7 were observed as a control group for a period of 24 months. During the successive visits to the clinic the following examinations were carried out: physical examination, checking patient diary cards, skin prick tests, PS test and blood samples were taken for determination of IgE, sIgE Dpt, sIgG4 Dpt. Specific and nonspecific bronchial hyperactivity (BHR) were evaluated before, after 1 year and 2 years of IT. The obtained results evidenced a clinical improvement, a reduction of other antiasthmatic drugs consumption, decreases in serum IgE and sIgE Dpt levels and increases in serum sIgG4 Dpt levels. The changes in humoral response did not correlate with the clinical improvement. At the successive visits were needed higher concentrations of allergen to cause the positive allergic reaction in PS test. The reductions in specific and nonspecific DHR during IT were observed. The bronchial allergen challenge test seems to be a very valuable method in monitoring of IT in asthma patients.

Allergens↗

PubMed1995

[Behavior of various spirometry parameters during bronchial provocation tests with D. pteronyssinus in patients with asthma, sensitized to housedust mites].

Changes in particular spirometry parameters during specific bronchial provocation test (BPT) with an allergen in asthmatics sensitized to house dust mites were evaluated. Studies were carried out on 130 patients. Specific BPT with D. pteronyssinus was performed according to the Ryan's method using a jet De Villbiss 646 nebuliser powered by compressed air and connected to the French Rosenthal dosimeter. The spirometry was measured using Pneumoscreen II (Jaeger - Germany). The provocation was terminated when a value of FEV1 fell at least 20% from baseline and then the spirometry parameters were measured hourly for a period 8 hours. Early and late asthmatic responses were founded. Results were expressed as a percentage of the maximum decrease from the baseline in particular parameters. To the statistical calculations only positive sBPT results founded in 96 patients were selected. The mean values of the decreases during of the EAR were as follow: FEV1 = 30.6 +/- 9.9%, FVC = 18.9 +/- 9.9%, FEV/FVC = 14.6 +/- 9.2%, FEV25-27 = 41.5 +/- 15.7%, PEF = 30.8 +/- 15.7%. The correlation coefficients were between FEV1 and FVC -0.57, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC -0.56, FEV1 and FEF25.75 -0.65, FEV1 and PEF -0.6. The results were statistically significant. Decreases in FEV1 and PEF were very similar each other. The greatest changes were observed in FEF25.75. The curves of the FEV1 and PEF averages observed during LAR were quite close to each other and almost parallel. The usefulness of the both parameters seems to be equal.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

[Effect of flunisolide on exacerbation of clinical symptoms, spirometric parameters, consumption of B2-adrenergic drugs and levels of cortisol and ECP in serum of patients with bronchial asthma].

The effects of flunisolide on a symptoms, spirometry, beta 2-agonist consumption, serum cortisol and ECP levels in 30 asthmatics were assessed. The patients qualified for the study after a two week run--in period, inhaled flunisolide from MDI--1000 micrograms daily (2 x 2 puffs) for a period of 4 weeks. Patients noted daily asthma symptoms, morning and evening PEF, the beta 2-agonists consumption and side effects in their diary cards. Each patient had 3 visits to the clinic, before and after the run-in period and at the end of the study. During the visits spirometry were performed. After the flunisolide therapy, statistically significant decreases in the daily and nightly asthma symptoms, diurnal variations of PEF, beta 2-agonist consumption, serum ECP levels and increases in morning and evening PEF and in serum cortisol levels. The patients tolerated the drug well. No serious side effects were observed during the study.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

PubMed1994

[The effect of loratadine on skin and bronchial reactivity and histamine liberation from basophils in patients with atopic asthma and allergic rhinitis].

The effect of the therapy with Loratadine on skin and bronchial reactivity to histamine and on a specific histamine release from isolated basophils of allergic patients was assessed. The studies were carried out on a 34 patients (23 with pollen rhinitis and 11 with a mild bronchial asthma). The effect loratadine versus placebo on the skin reactivity to histamine was measured in patients suffering from pollen rhinitis. Outside the pollen season in 12 patients from the above group a histamine release from isolated basophils was evaluated by Shore method, using a-IgE and pollen allergen as liberators, before and after 4 days therapy with loratadine. In the group of the 11 asthmatic patients the effect of the single dose of 10 mg Loratadine on spirometric parameters and on a bronchial response to histamine was studied. The Bronchial Provocation Test with histamine was performed by the Ryan's method. The results were expressed as PC20 FEV1. It was shown that loratadine statistically significant limited of the skin reactivity to histamine and specific histamine release from basophils. The one tablet of Loratadine have not changed of spirometric parameters in the patients with mild asthma, but statistically significant reduced their bronchial response to histamine.

Asthma↗

PubMed1994

[Loratadine in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis].

A single blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study was performed during a pollen season in 41 patients suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis. A group of 26 patients was treated with loratadine (10 mg daily in one dose) for 3 weeks. Placebo was given in the group of 15 patients (1 tablet daily) during 8-10 days. The following parameters were assessed: clinical symptoms (rhinorhea, sneezing, blockage, nasal itching, eye symptoms), rhinoscopy, at baseline and after 8 and 21 days of the treatment. Eosinophils in nasal secretion were countered before and after the medication. Patients recorded daily nasal and ocular symptoms and possible adverse events in diary cards. It was shown a statistical significant improvement of clinical symptoms in the group treated with loratadine in comparison with the placebo group (p < 0.01). Very good and good results were observed in 84.6% of the treated with loratadine patients. The reduction of eosinophilia in nasal secretion during medication period was noted. Loratadine did not induce more side effects than placebo.

Adolescent↗