Sarcoidosis Vasc Dif
-
Sarcoidosis Vasc Dif · Mar 2013
YKL-40 and matrix metalloproteinases as potential biomarkers of inflammation and fibrosis in the development of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome.
The development of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) after lung transplantation is characterized by inflammation, remodeling and fibrosis. Both YKL-40 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 have shown to be involved in these processes. We measured serial YKL-40 and MMP-9 serum levels in lung transplant recipients and assessed their usefulness as biomarker for BOS. Furthermore, we investigate the relationship between these two potential biomarkers of BOS and MMP-7. ⋯ From the moment of transplantation onwards, patients who eventually developed BOS had significantly increased MMP-9 serum levels in comparison with patients who did not develop BOS. Therefore, increased MMP-9 serum levels might be useful as risk factor for BOS.
-
Sarcoidosis Vasc Dif · Mar 2013
Case Reports23-year-old female with dyspnea, hematuria, and seizure progressing to respiratory failure.
Takayasu arteritis is a rare chronic inflammatory disease on unknown etiology. We report a 23-year old female who presented with fever, shortness of breath and abdominal pain. ⋯ We discuss the clinical manifestations and the diagnostic work up of Takayasu arteritis. The patient's response to therapy and a discussion on treatment modalities of the disease are also included in the report.
-
Sarcoidosis Vasc Dif · Oct 2012
Comparative StudyAnxiety and depression in sarcoidosis: the influence of age, gender, affected organs, concomitant diseases and dyspnea.
Heightened degrees of anxiety and depression are often found in patients suffering from sarcoidosis, but the reasons for that are unclear. Furthermore, age and gender differences of anxiety and depression in sarcoidosis have not been reported with reference to normative data. ⋯ The analysis of mental distress should take into account comparisons with normative values. Young patients deserve special social support. Dyspnea proved to be an important symptom in the prediction of anxiety and depression.
-
Sarcoidosis Vasc Dif · Oct 2012
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyAre clinical features in Löfgren's syndrome-related erythema nodosum different from idiopathic erythema nodosum?
We retrospectively evaluated acute sarcoidosis (Löfgren's syndrome) patients diagnosed at 2 centers and compared the clinical features of Löfgren's syndrome (LS) related erythema nodosum (EN) to patients with idiopathic IEN who were diagnosed within the same time frame. ⋯ Apart from BHL, arthritis and/or arthralgia especially periarticular ankle inflammation is the feature which could be used to differentiate LS related EN from IEN. There is more need for steroids in LS patients and the symptoms quickly resolve with steroids.
-
Sarcoidosis Vasc Dif · Oct 2012
Comparative StudyHealth-related quality of life does not predict mortality in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Although health-related quality of life (HRQL) has recently been considered to be an important outcome in clinical trials of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), its relationship with survival is unknown. ⋯ There was no significant relationship between HRQL evaluated with the SGRQ and the subsequent mortality in IPF. The present negative result might suggest that HRQL is measuring an aspect other than one from physiological and functional impairment or disability.