Browsing by Author "Ozbay, Bulent"

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Assessments of the Associations of Thrombus Localization With Accompanying Disorders, Risk Factors, D-Dimer Levels, and the Red Cell Distribution Width in Pulmonary Embolism
(Hospital Clinicas, Univ Sao Paulo, 2015) Sunnetcioglu, Aysel; Sertogullarindan, Bunyamin; Ozbay, Bulent; Asker, Selvi; Ekin, Salemi
Objective: Pulmonary embolisms occur as a wide spectrum ranging from clinically asymptomatic thrombi to massive thrombi that lead to cardiogenic shock. The purpose of this study was to determine the associations of thrombus localization with risk factors, accompanying disorders, D-dimer levels and the red blood cell distribution width in patients with pulmonary embolism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 148 patients diagnosed with pulmonary embolism, the presence and anatomical localization of the thrombus were assessed via computed tomographic pulmonary angiography. The accompanying disorders, risk factors, serum D-dimer levels, and red blood cell distribution width of the patients were retrospectively evaluated. ClinicalTrials. gov: NCT02388841. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 54 +/- 16.0 years, and 48 patients were >= 65 years of age. The most frequent accompanying disorders were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (22%) and malignancy (10.1%), and the most frequent risk factors were recent operation (14.1%) and immobilization (18.2%). Thrombi were most frequently observed in the right pulmonary artery (37.8%). In 31% of the patients, the thrombus was localized to the main pulmonary arteries. Immobile patients exhibited a higher proportion of thrombi in the main pulmonary arteries than mobile patients. The mean D-dimer level and the mean red blood cell distribution width in the patients with thrombi in the main pulmonary arteries were higher than those in the patients with thrombi in more distal pulmonary arterial branches. CONCLUSION: Significant associations of proximally localized thrombi with immobilization, the D-dimer levels, and the red blood cell distribution width were observed.: Pulmonary embolisms occur as a wide spectrum ranging from clinically asymptomatic thrombi to massive thrombi that lead to cardiogenic shock. The purpose of this study was to determine the associations of thrombus localization with risk factors, accompanying disorders, D-dimer levels and the red blood cell distribution width in patients with pulmonary embolism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 148 patients diagnosed with pulmonary embolism, the presence and anatomical localization of the thrombus were assessed via computed tomographic pulmonary angiography. The accompanying disorders, risk factors, serum D-dimer levels, and red blood cell distribution width of the patients were retrospectively evaluated. ClinicalTrials. gov: NCT02388841. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 54 +/- 16.0 years, and 48 patients were >= 65 years of age. The most frequent accompanying disorders were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (22%) and malignancy (10.1%), and the most frequent risk factors were recent operation (14.1%) and immobilization (18.2%). Thrombi were most frequently observed in the right pulmonary artery (37.8%). In 31% of the patients, the thrombus was localized to the main pulmonary arteries. Immobile patients exhibited a higher proportion of thrombi in the main pulmonary arteries than mobile patients. The mean D-dimer level and the mean red blood cell distribution width in the patients with thrombi in the main pulmonary arteries were higher than those in the patients with thrombi in more distal pulmonary arterial branches. CONCLUSION: Significant associations of proximally localized thrombi with immobilization, the D-dimer levels, and the red blood cell distribution width were observed.
A Case of Miliary Tuberculosis, Pneumothorax, and Pulmonary Thromboembolism: Original Image
(Ortadogu Ad Pres & Publ Co, 2009) Ozbay, Bulent; Sertogullarindan, Buenyamin; Asker, Selvi; Ekin, Selami; Yildiz, Hanifi; Sunnetcioglu, Mahmut
A 30 years old woman complained of high fever and dyspnea. She delivered her 7(th) child 4 weeks ago. Symptoms had started after delivery and increased during the last 3 days. PA chest roentgenogram showed diffuse and bilateral miliary nodules. Physical examination revealed temperature 39.2 degrees C, pulse 130/min, arterial tension 90/60 mmHg, respiratory rate 35/min, and lung sounds normal. Deep venous thrombosis was detected in the right leg. SaO(2) was 69% and PaO2/FiO(2) was 86 while on 6 L/min O-2 inhalation. Computed tomography of thorax showed filling defects as well as miliary nodules. The tuberculin skin reaction was positive. Bilateral tuberculosis foci were seen in the choroid of retina. Treatment consisted of antituberculous drugs, anticoagulants, fluid and nutritional support. PaO2/FiO(2) rapidly improved. Recurrent pneumothorax developed. A tube thoracostomy was inserted. This case was interesting regarding the coexistence of miliary tuberculosis, recurrent pnomothorax, and venous thromboembolism.
Caveolin-1 Polymorphisms in Patients With Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea
(Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2017) Asker, Selvi; Taspinar, Mehmet; Koyun, Hasan; Ozbay, Bulent; Arisoy, Ahmet
Objective: To investigate the associations of G14713A and T29107A polymorphic variants of Caveolin-1 with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Materials and methods: This study was performed on 86 severe OSA patients and 86 controls. Genotyping was performed to investigate the association of G14713A and T29107A polymorphisms of Caveolin-1 with severe OSA. Results: The distribution of genotypes of T29107A was significantly different between controls and OSA patients with a higher proportion of TT carriers in the OSA group. Conclusion: T29107A-specific genotype of Caveolin-1 may be linked with severe OSA pathogenesis.
Chronic Effects of Environmental Biomass Smoke on Lung Histopathology in Turkish Non-Smoking Women: a Case Series
(inst Medical Research & Occupational Health, 2012) Gunbatar, Hulya; Sertogullarindan, Bunyamin; Ozbay, Bulent; Avcu, Serhat; Bulut, Gulay; Kosem, Mustafa
Biomass is widely used for fuel in developing countries. Particles and gases of biomass burning may cause changes in the lung. In this prospective study we investigated histopathological changes in the lungs of 42 non-smoking women [mean age (59 +/- 10) years] caused by biomass smoke. We valuated exposure to biomass smoke, case histories, and the findings of physical examination, radiology, bronchoscopy, and lung histopathology. Mean exposure to biomass smoke was (28 +/- 9) hour-year (1 hour-year equals 365 hours of exposure per year with average exposure of 1 hour a day). The radiological findings were mass (42 %), reticulonodular opacities (31 %), mediastinal lymphadenopathy (26 %), pleuro-parenchymal fibrotic banding (19 %), widening of the pulmonary artery (14 %), ground glass (11 %), mosaic perfusion (9 %), consolidation (9 %), segmental or subsegmental atelectasis (7 %), and bronchiectasis (7 %). The patients were diagnosed with lung cancer (35 %), interstitial lung disease (31 %), sarcoidosis (9 %), tuberculosis (9 %), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (4 %), chronic bronchitis (9 %), and metastasis (4 %). Bronchoscopy showed pilies, oedema, erythema, bronchus narrowing, endobronchial tumour, mucosal irregularity, increased vascularisation, blue-black anthracotic plaques, mucosal oedema, and purulent secretion. Transbronchial biopsies revealed neutrophil and lymphocyte leucocytes in the perivascular, peribronchiolar, and interalveolar septa, slightly enlarged connective tissue, thickening of the basal membrane, thickening of interalveolar septa, intimal and medial thickening of the vascular wall and vascular lumen narrowing, anthracosis between the cells and in the bronchiole epithelium. These findings confirm that biomass smoke has important toxic effects on the lung parenchyma, interstitium, and pulmonary vessels that may result in malignancies.
Comparison of the Efficacy of Cis-Platin - Gemcitabine Combination With Cis-Platin - Etoposide in Advanced and Locally Advanced Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer
(Bilimsel Tip Publishing House, 2007) Ozbay, Bulent; Altinoz, Orhan; Islek, Ayten; Sertogullarindan, Bunyamin
In this study, we aimed to compare the efficay and toxicity of cis-platin - gemcitabine (PG) combination with cis-platin - etoposide (PE) in advanced and locally advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer. PG treatments were given to 18 patients (2 females, 16 males) and PE to 17 patients (5 females, 12 males), totally 35 patients stage III b or IV. Combination chemotherapies of cis-platin at a dose of 80 mg/m(2) on day 1, gemcitabine 1250 mg/m2 on day 1 and 8, and etoposide 100 mg/m(2) 1st, 2nd, and 3rd days, were administered. Overall response rates were found 33.3% and 41.1% in PG and PE, respectively (p > 0.01). Median survival was 5 months in both groups. One year survival was found to be 16.6% in PG group and 17.6% in PE group. Nausea and vomiting were the most frequent side effects of PE group in a rate of 64.7% (in 11 cases) followed by anemia 38.8% (in 7 cases) in PG group, and nefrotoxicity 5.8% (in one case) in PE group. As a result although we have found partial response advantage for PE combination, but not statistically significant, there was no median or one year survival advantage between both groups.
Evaluation of Airway Wall Thickness Via High-Resolution Computed Tomography in Mild Intermittent Asthma
(Daedalus Enterprises inc, 2014) Asker, Selvi; Asker, Muntecep; Ozbay, Bulent
Introduction: This study aims to evaluate bronchial thickness via thorax high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in subjects with mild intermittent asthma in comparison with healthy control subjects. METHODS: A total of 37 out-patients (mean +/- SD age = 36.7 years (9.7 years); 54.8% males) with mild intermittent asthma and 13 healthy control subjects (mean +/- SD age = 25.0 years (2.9 years); 61.5% males) were included in this case control study. Data on demographics, pulmonary function test results, and segmental and subsegmental thorax HRCT results were recorded. The ratio of bronchial wall thickness to bronchial lumen diameter (T/D) and bronchial wall area percentage (WA%) were calculated for all cases. RESULTS: Subject and control groups were similar in terms of pulmonary function test results, and total and subsegmental T/D values. Mean SD subsegmental WA% values at the level of inferior pulmonary vein (55.6% [16.8%] vs 41.7% [7.4%], P = .047) and 2 cm above the diaphragm (49.8% [15.8%] vs 38.6% [10.4%], P = .046) were significantly higher in subjects than control subjects. No significant correlation of overall and subsegmental T/D and WA% values to age in both groups, and to asthma duration in subjects. CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed an increase in bronchial wall thickness in peripheral airways in subjects with mild intermittent asthma regardless of the duration of asthma. This may indicate a need to also administer anti-inflammatory or bronchodilator therapy, which is effective in peripheral airways during the early period of the disease.
Evaluation of Tuberculosis Cases Detected in Our Region Between 1999 and 2003
(Turkish Assoc Tuberculosis & Thorax, 2008) Ozbay, Bulent; Sezgi, Cengizhan; Altinoz, Orhan; Sertogullarindan, Bunyamin; Tokgoz, Necla
This study investigates the extent of tuberculosis, its clinical features, the specification of the patients with tuberculosis, and evaluates diagnosis, treatment and their effectiveness in our region. The records of 645 patients admitted to the Tuberculosis Control Dispensary in our between January 1999 and December 2003 were evaluated retrospectively. The incidence of the disease was 0.012% and it was more common among young men and diagnosed mostly by individual examination. Twenty-six percent of the patients had a history of physical contact with a tuberculosis patient. The pulmonary and extra pulmonary involvement of the disease was 51.8% and 48.2%, respectively. Bacteriologic examination of the patients was as follows; 42.2% did not have a bacteriologic examination, 21.7% was smear and culture positive, 26.8% was smear and culture negative, and 8.7% was smear negative and culture positive. Diagnosis of tuberculosis by bacteriologic examination increased from 39.7% to 73.6% within years. Cure rates of the disease were between 12.5% and 34.4%. Completion rates of tuberculosis therapy were between 53.5% and 72.6% and treatment success rates were between 82% and 95% whereas mortality rates varied between 1.7% and 2.8%. In conclusion, we observed that new cases and smear positive cases of tuberculosis were more common among the young and among the people with low socioeconomic status, bacteriologic examination increased over time and the rate of successful treatment was high but the cure rate was low.
Histopathological Changes in the Lung of Rat Following Long -Term Exposure To Biomass Smoke
(Ortadogu Ad Pres & Publ Co, 2009) Ozbay, Bulent; Yener, Zabit; Acar, Suekrue; Kanter, Mehmet
Objective: Experimentally to show the histopathologic alterations in the trachea and lungs due to long term exposure to biomass smoke in rats. Material and Methods: 30 female Wistar-Albino adult rats were used in the experiment. The rats were exposed to biomass smoke for one hour a day for 3, 6, and 9 months. At the end of the experiment, the rats were decapitated under deep anesthesia. The tissue samples were taken and were processed for histopathological examinations. Results: Gross findings were focal small anthracotic accumulations, multiple abscesses, cysts with mucinous fluid and emphysematic changes in the lungs. Histopathologically, lymphocytic, eosinophilic and macrophage infiltrations in varying densities were observed in the interstitium of the lungs. Based on the exposure time, small papillary structures were observed in the airway mucosa. As most apparent in pulmonary veins, the intimae and media of the pulmonary vessels were thickened and their lumens were narrowed. In one case, we noticed papillary adenomatous proliferation of the mucosa. In tracheal mucosa, the anthracotic spots were encountered. We also observed ulceration, erosion areas and squamouse metaplasia in the tracheal mucosae. Conclusion: Long-term exposure of rats to biomass smoke was associated with chronic inflammatory and premalignant alterations in different regions of the respiratory trac such as trachea, bronchia, bronchioles, and parenchyma including subpleural areas.
Hydrocarbon Pneumonitis; Clinical and Radiological Variability
(derman Medical Publ, 2015) Sertogullarindan, Bunyamin; Bora, Aydin; Sayir, Fuat; Ozbay, Bulent
Aspiration of hydrocarbons causes respiratory pathologies from simply to critical. Our aim is to attract attention to clinical and radiological variability in these cases. We presented a 22-year old young case exposed to diesel fuel by accidental aspiration. Three days after the aspiration, because of clinical deterioration, he was admitted to our emergency clinic. In the chest radiograph on admission showed infiltration in the right middle lobe. But a right lower lobe atelectasis emerged two days later. Bronchoscopy revealed inflamed and hyperemic mucosa and no bronchial obstruction. No secondary bacterial pneumonia was seen. The patient was treated with systemic steroids and antibiotics. After two weeks of treatment there was complete clinical improvement and significant radiologic regression. In the hydrocarbon aspiration cases clinical picture is variable. Radiological picture may develop with a delay. Unless there is a new evidence for an important complication, the steroid treatment should be followed.
Invasive Mechanical Ventilation Requiring Varicella Pneumonia
(Turkish Assoc Tuberculosis & Thorax, 2011) Ozbay, Bulent; Sertogullarindan, Bunyamin
We aimed to report a case of varicella pneumonia that resulted in respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. The patient was a 40-year-old man whose rashes started after his childeren. developed varicella and who had a high fever, sputum and sputum with blood, cough, cold and shiver four days before admission. A treatment was commenced by an antiviral acyclovir and arnpiric ampiallin-sulbactam therapy. Although a supporting oxygen treatment, the patient whose oxygen saturation did not increase and respiratory rate was high was commenced by an invasive mechanical ventilation because of a respiratory failure. The patient that had a recovery in clinical symptoms after 36 hours was extubated and was discharged from hospital by the following week.
Investigation of Frequency of Osas in Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension by Polysomnography
(European Respiratory Soc Journals Ltd, 2013) Sunnetcioglu, Aysel; Sertogullarindan, Bunyamin; Gunbatar, Hulya; Ozbay, Bulent
Investigation of Lung Involvement With Dlco in Women Exposed To Biomass Smoke
(European Respiratory Soc Journals Ltd, 2012) Arisoy, Ahmet; Sertogullarindan, Bunyamin; Ozbay, Bulent; Ekin, Selami; Yildiz, Hanifi
Investigation of the Relationship Between Serum Levels of Cotinine and the Renal Function in Active and Passive Smokers
(informa Healthcare, 2011) Dulger, Haluk; Donder, Ahmet; Sekeroglu, Mehmet Ramazan; Erkoc, Reha; Ozbay, Bulent
Objective: We have investigated the effects of active and passive smoking on renal functions in terms of glomerular filtration rate, microalbuminuria, and beta-2 microglobulin excretion. Design and method: The volunteers included in this study were classified into three groups as active smokers (n = 24), passive smokers (n = 20), and controls (n = 20). Blood and urine samples were collected from all groups. Serum glucose, urea, creatinine, and cotinine levels in the collected blood samples were measured. Also, microalbumin, beta-2 microglobulin, and creatinine levels were measured in the collected urine samples. Results: Serum cotinine levels were found to be higher in both passive and active smokers when compared with controls (p < 0.01), whereas urinary microalbumin and creatinine levels were significantly higher in active smokers (p < 0.01). The urinary microalbumin/creatinine ratio was significantly increased in both active and passive smokers compared with controls. Conclusion: The kidney and the glomerular functions may be affected even by passive smoking. In addition, increased microalbumin/creatinine ratio may be a sign of increased atherosclerosis risk in these persons.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Related To Rapid Eye Movement or Non-Rapid Eye Movement Sleep: Comparison of Demographic, Anthropometric and Polysomnographic Features
(Soc Brasileira Pneumologia Tisiologia, 2016) Sunnetcioglu, Aysel; Sertogullarindan, Bunyamin; Ozbay, Bulent; Gunbatar, Hulya; Ekin, Selami
Pulmonary Embolism Associated With Pandemic H1n1 Influenza a Virus Infection: a Case Report
(Galenos Publ House, 2011) Dulger, Ahmet Cumhur; Avcu, Serhat; Arslan, Harun; Ozbay, Bulent; Gunbatar, Hulya; Kucukoglu, Mehmet Emin; Bartin, Mehmet Kadir
On May 15, 2009, the Turkish Ministry of Health reported the first case of 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in the Republic of Turkey. Pandemic H1N1virus is a new and mutant influenza virus and has many epidemiologic and clinic features. These cases have been reported in multiple geographic regions of the world. School children are more affected than adults. In the elderly, it has a higher mortality rate. The clinical aspects of infection with H1N1 influenza A virus remains to be understood. A few cases of pulmonary embolism associated with H1N1 influenza A virus infection were reported. We herein report a pulmonary embolism in a patient with pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection. A 42-year-old Turkish woman was admitted to our emergency department with dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain. She complained of fever, myalgia, sore throat and cough of four days duration on admission to our hospital. She was tested for pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test which revealed a positive result. Chest tomography showed pulmonary embolism. She was successfully treated with intravenous heparin and oseltamivir. This case report demonstrates the importance of considering pulmvonary embolism as a diagnosis in 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infected persons who present with sudden onset of dyspnea, fever and chest pain.
Pulmonary Involvement in Rheumatic Diseases: Hrct Findings
(derman Medical Publ, 2011) Tokeoglu, Ibrahnn; Hiz, Ozcan; Ozbay, Bulent; Toprak, Murat; Avcu, Serhat
Aim Systemic rheumatic disease (SRD) may affect all the components of the pulmonary system. This study was designed to investigate the frequency and pattern of pulmonary involvement of systemic collagen tissue diseases. Material and Methods A total of 128 patients -44 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 8 with giant cell arteritis, 14 with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 8 with juvenile chronic arthritis, 24 with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), 6 with scleroderma, 12 with Behcet's disease, 4 with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), 4 with polymyositis and 4 with dermatomyositis-who had presented to the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation/Rheumatology between January 2007 and December 2008 were included in the study. All the patients were informed about the study in detail and all gave written consent before enrollment. HRCT was performed in all patients. Results Pulmonary involvement was detected in 21 patients with RA (48%), in 8 patients with SLE (57%), in 16 patients with AS (67%), in 4 patients with scleroderma (67%), and in 4 patients with MCTD (50%). No pulmonary involvement was observed in patients with Behcet's disease, polymyositis and dermatomyositis. Conclusions Our results suggest that patients with SRD may present with pulmonary involvement in varying degrees. Pulmonary symptoms may be underdiagnosed due to limited capacity of exercise secondary to musculoskeletal involvement. Therefore, a routine pulmonary X-ray should be performed in the process of the diagnosis and prior to treatment, even in the lack of complaints suggesting pulmonary involvement. Further investigations including HRCT should be performed if needed.
Relationship Between Coronary Artery Disease and Pulmonary Arterial Pressure in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
(E-century Publishing Corp, 2014) Asker, Muntecep; Asker, Selvi; Kucuk, Ugur; Kucuk, Hilal Olgun; Ozbay, Bulent
The aim of the present study was to determine whether there is a relationship between coronary artery disease and pulmonary hypertension and whether pulmonary hypertension is an additional risk factor for the presence and extent of coronary artery disease in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary hypertension, and undergone diagnostic coronary angiography for evaluation of suspected coronary artery disease constituted the study group. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of coronary artery disease and compared for age, gender, accompanying chronic disease, and pulmonary function tests. A total of 95 patients were recruited in the study. Comparison of the groups revealed that two groups were significantly different on gender (p=0.029), presence of hypertension (p=0.027), and biomass (p=0.040). Correlation analysis of variables revealed that male gender (rs=0.224, p=0.029), hypertension (rs=0.227, p=0.07) were positively correlated with the presence of coronary artery disease. FEV1/FVC ratio (rs=-0.253, p=0.013) and sPAP (rs=-0.215, p=0.037) were negatively correlated with the presence of coronary artery disease. High prevalence of coronary artery disease in patients with pulmonary hypertension secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was found. However, no correlation between the presence and severity of coronary artery disease and pulmonary hypertension was detected.
Reliability of Symptoms Suggestive of Angina in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
(Arquivos Brasileiros Cardiologia, 2009) Gunes, Yilmaz; Tuncer, Mustafa; Guntekin, Unal; Gumrukcuoglu, Hasan Ali; Akdag, Serkan; Ozbay, Bulent; Sertogullarindan, Bunyamin
Background: Due to overlapping symptoms and inadequate exercise capacity, noninvasive diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) may be under- or overestimated in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Objective: To assess outcomes of coronary angiography in COPD patients depending on baseline clinical characteristics. Methods: Medical records of 157 patients with COPD and 157 patients without COPD matched for baseline clinical characteristics who had undergone diagnostic coronary angiography for the first time were reviewed retrospectively. Results: The frequency of significant CAD was significantly lower in COPD patients than in the control group (52.8% vs. 80.2%, p < 0.001). Frequencies of CAD risk factors (older age, hypertension, diabetes, smoking history) were significantly more frequent among COPD patients having significant CAD. Among patients reporting stable angina pectoris, significant CAD was detected in 32.7% of COPD patients and 71.0% of non-COPD patients (p<0.001). However, among the patients with a diagnosis of unstable angina pectoris, significant CAD was detected in 87.5% of COPD patients and 90.2% of non-COPD patients (p=0.755). Conclusion: Diagnosis of CAD in COPD patients by symptomatology may be difficult. However, clinical diagnosis of CAD in the setting of unstable angina is accurate in most of the COPD patients. Therefore, further noninvasive diagnostic methods or careful follow up may be more appropriate for COPD patients reporting stable angina pectoris. (Arq Bras Cardiol 2009; 92(5):334-338)
Rhabdomyolysis Associated With Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Infection
(Medycyna Praktyczna, 2013) Sertogullarindan, Bunyamin; Ozbay, Mustafa B.; Ertem, Furkan U.; Milanlioglu, Aysel; Duran, Mehmet; Ozbay, Bulent; Aslan, Mehmet
Serum Levels of Trace Minerals and Heavy Metals I N Severe Copd Patients With and Without Pulmonary Hypertension
(Dove Medical Press Ltd, 2018) Asker, Selvi; Asker, Muntecep; Yeltekin, Asti Cilingir; Aslan, Mehmet; Ozbay, Bulent; Demir, Halit; Turan, Hakan
Aim: The aim of the current study was to assess the serum levels of trace minerals/heavy metals in COPD patients with and without pulmonary hypertension (PH) and to investigate their correlations to demographic, clinical, and biochemical variables. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in Van Yuzuncu Yil University Medical Faculty between April 2013 and July 2013. Cases were allocated into three groups: Group 1 consisted of severe COPD patients; Group 2 was made up of COPD patients with PH; and healthy controls constituted Group 3. Demographic, radiological, and biochemical variables, as well as the serum levels of trace minerals and heavy metals, were noted and compared in these three groups. Results: COPD patients were older and had higher rates of smoking habit, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension compared to the control group. Carotid intima-media thickness was increased bilaterally, and serum levels of Co, Cu, and Fe were higher in COPD patients. Left carotid intima-media thickness was increased, and serum levels of Cd, Co, and Fe were found to be higher in COPD cases with PH compared to COPD patients without PH. Conclusion: Our results show that serum levels of trace minerals and heavy metals may be altered in COPD and PH.