The clinical respiratory journal
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Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic disorder of unknown cause that is characterized pathologically by noncaseating granulomas and predominantly affects the lungs and the lymphatic system, especially intrathoracically. Diagnosis is based on the association of a compatible clinical and radiological presentation, the presence of characteristic histopathological lesions and the exclusion of other potential causes of granuloma. Although the lungs and mediastinal lymph nodes are almost involved, endobronchial nodular lesions of sarcoidosis with lung involvements are rare. We report a case of sarcoidosis with lung involvements and endobronchial nodules as confirmed by bronchial biopsy.
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Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is a newly discovered inflammatory biomarker. suPAR has not been previously studied in differentiating noncardiac pleural effusion (PF) from cardiac PF. The aim of our study was to assess the diagnostic value of suPAR in PF. ⋯ suPAR is a potential new marker for the discrimination between cardiac and noncardiac PF.
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Airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) is widely used in adult critical care settings. However, information on the use of APRV in the pediatric population is limited. ⋯ APRV could be safely used in pediatric ARDS patients, without significant hemodynamic compromise or side effects.
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We aimed to determine the incidence and the prognostic impact [mortality and length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay (LOS)] of pulmonary embolism (PE) in critically ill patients with severe acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ⋯ Our study showed that PE is common in patients with severe COPD exacerbation requiring ICU admission. Moreover, PE was significantly associated with higher mortality and ICU LOS in critically ill patients with severe COPD exacerbation.
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Autoimmune responses mediated by cluster of differentiation 4(+) T cells may contribute to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, little is known about the frequency of peripheral blood Th17 cells and of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in Chinese patients with COPD. This study is aimed at determining the frequency of circulating Th17 and Tregs in patients with moderate and severe COPD, heavy smokers and healthy controls (HC). ⋯ An imbalance of circulating Th17 cells and Tregs is associated with the deterioration of pulmonary function in patients with moderate and severe COPD.