INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to record the results from a modern diagnostic and therapeutic approach to patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. METHODS We studied the clinical characteristics and the treatment of 69 patients (50 women, 72.5%), aged 44 +/- 17 years, who were diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (World Health Organisation categories I, IV and V). The patients'...

BACKGROUND/AIMS Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a well-known independent risk factor for the development of postoperative pulmonary and cardiac complications after thoracic or nonthoracic surgery. We aimed to determine the risk factors and complications of abdominal surgery in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty-two patients diagnosed with chro...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. There is increasing evidence that implicates viral infections as a major risk factor for exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Recent studies have attempted to better characterize the epidemiology of viral infections in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, identify ...

Background: Pulmonary rehabilitation is an important part of treatment in patients with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) with the goal of achieving and maintaining maximum functional independence since this disease causes symptoms including fatigue, and consequently decrease in daily living activity. Aim: To determine the effect of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation on daily living...

Introduction: Pulmonary hyperinflation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can increase the breathing rate and reduce diaphragmatic movements by pushing the diaphragms downward and limiting their movements; this, in fact, can affect the breathing process. The purpose of this study was to compare diaphragmatic movements in COPD patients and healthy ones and to evaluate ...

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in the assessment of functional status and right heart performance in primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH). BACKGROUND Primary pulmonary hypertension is a progressive disease leading to right heart failure and death. Right heart catheterization and maximal or submaximal exercise te...

Subtle cardiac abnormalities have been described in patients with cirrhosis. Natriuretic peptide hormones have been reported to be sensitive markers of early cardiac disease. We postulate that plasma levels of N-terminal pro-atrial natriuretic peptide and brain natriuretic peptide could be used as markers of cardiac dysfunction in cirrhosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the levels of N-...

OBJECTIVE To examine the relation between haemodynamics and atrial natriuretic peptide concentration during short term angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition. DESIGN Patients were randomly allocated to receive placebo or one of three doses of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor ramipril. SETTING Cardiac units of two tertiary referral hospitals. SUBJECTS 38 Patients with stable c...

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients are at increased risk of sleep-disorders. The concomitant occurrence of COPD and obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is named overlap syndrome. This study aimed to evaluate the severity of OSAHS in overlap syndrome patients.Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on adult patients with forced...