Internal medicine
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Case Reports
A rare hemoglobin variant (Hb Iraq-Halabja) causing spuriously low hemoglobin A1c values.
Various laboratory and patient-related factors can affect the measurement of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). We herein present the case of a diabetic patient with spuriously low HbA1c values on ion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). ⋯ Clinicians should be aware of the limitations of HbA1c assays because inaccurate values may lead to the inappropriate management of diabetes. Unusual or discrepant HbA1c test results should prompt further investigations for potentially interfering factors, including rare Hb variants.
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To assess the efficacy of pirfenidone in patients with advanced-stage idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), we conducted a retrospective study of patients who received pirfenidone therapy. In addition, the combined effects of inhaled N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and pirfenidone were evaluated. ⋯ Among the advanced-stage IPF patients with a more progressive status, pirfenidone decreased the rate of decline in FVC. In addition, patients treated with pirfenidone combined with NAC therapy exhibited favorable outcomes. Additional studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of this combined therapy for IPF.
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To investigate whether chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) screening that combines screening with questionnaires and pulmonary function testing is a useful method for the early detection of COPD. ⋯ Conducting COPD screening with questionnaires and pulmonary function testing among the general population is a useful examination method for the early detection and treatment of COPD.
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Asthma is a chronic airway disease characterized by reversible airflow limitation with airway wall thickening. Although some studies have reported changes in airway dimensions estimated on chest CT in patients with chronic asthma, little is known about dynamic changes in airway dimensions between acute exacerbations of asthma and recovery. Our case documents significant changes in the bronchial wall, as estimated on serial chest CT scans, over a short-term interval during an exacerbation of asthma.