{"title":"Evaluating hematological and inflammatory biomarkers in tuberculosis management.","authors":"Sanatkumar Bharamu Nyamagoud, Princy Domnic Dsouza, Sai Phalguna Prakash Chitralu, Kadambari Solankure, Agadi Hiremath Viswanatha Swamy","doi":"10.4081/monaldi.2025.3433","DOIUrl":"10.4081/monaldi.2025.3433","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health concern, particularly in resource-limited settings. Accurate and timely diagnosis and effective monitoring of disease progression and treatment response remain a challenge. This research aims to evaluate the function of hematological and inflammatory biomarkers, including hemoglobin (HB), serum amyloid A (SAA), C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and white blood cell (WBC) count, in TB patients. Overall, 80 TB patients were analyzed to evaluate the association of these biomarkers with disease status and demographic characteristics. The findings revealed significant alterations in inflammatory markers, with elevated WBC, SAA, CRP, and ESR levels, indicating an ongoing inflammatory response. Additionally, decreased HB levels were observed, suggesting the presence of anemia, which is commonly associated with chronic infections such as TB. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed a significant negative connection between HB and inflammatory markers, reinforcing the link between anemia and TB-associated inflammation. However, no noteworthy associations were found between biomarker levels and demographic parameters, including age and gender, residence, or treatment duration. These findings emphasize the potential utility of these biomarkers in TB diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment monitoring, especially in regions where advanced diagnostic tools are not readily available. The study suggests that routine hematological and inflammatory markers can serve as cost-effective adjunctive tools in TB administration. Additional investigation is needed to confirm these results and determine their role in predicting treatment outcomes and disease severity.</p>","PeriodicalId":51593,"journal":{"name":"Monaldi Archives for Chest Disease","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144876784","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Anti-reflux therapy and mortality in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Konstantinos Dodos, Tsampika-Vasileia Kalamara, Nikolaos Trakas, Alexandru Corlateanu, Vasiliki Epameinondas Georgakopoulou","doi":"10.4081/monaldi.2025.3349","DOIUrl":"10.4081/monaldi.2025.3349","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) frequently coexist, with GERD potentially exacerbating IPF progression through microaspiration and pulmonary inflammation. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the impact of anti-reflux therapy, including proton pump inhibitors and H2-receptor antagonists, on mortality outcomes in IPF patients with concurrent GERD. A systematic search identified six eligible studies, including 2874 patients, for quantitative synthesis. Results indicate that anti-reflux therapy may reduce IPF-related mortality, with a pooled relative risk (RR) of 0.79 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.55-1.33], although this finding was not statistically significant. However, no significant effect was observed on overall mortality (pooled RR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.74-1.25). Study heterogeneity was moderate (I2=60%), reflecting variability in study designs, populations, and therapeutic regimens. The observational nature of most studies highlights the need for randomized controlled trials to better understand anti-reflux therapy's role in IPF management. While anti-reflux therapy was associated with a potential reduction in IPF-related mortality (RR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.55-1.33), no significant effect on overall mortality was observed (RR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.74-1.25). Future research should also evaluate the long-term safety of anti-reflux therapy, given concerns about complications such as infections and renal impairment. This analysis underscores the importance of tailored treatment approaches in IPF patients with GERD to optimize clinical outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":51593,"journal":{"name":"Monaldi Archives for Chest Disease","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144592909","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cristiane Chaves Marcelino Da Costa, Hebert Olímpio Júnior, Paulo Victor Leandro Da Silva Pinto, Milena Alves Da Silva, Laura Franco Pessoa, Laura Lima Da Silva, Jannis Papathanasiou, Arthur De Sá Ferreira, Agnaldo José Lopes
{"title":"Contribution of small airway disease to dynamic hyperinflation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.","authors":"Cristiane Chaves Marcelino Da Costa, Hebert Olímpio Júnior, Paulo Victor Leandro Da Silva Pinto, Milena Alves Da Silva, Laura Franco Pessoa, Laura Lima Da Silva, Jannis Papathanasiou, Arthur De Sá Ferreira, Agnaldo José Lopes","doi":"10.4081/monaldi.2025.3402","DOIUrl":"10.4081/monaldi.2025.3402","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Lung hyperinflation is a treatable trait in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that can often only be detected on exertion. Air trapping in these patients results from the premature closure of the small airways. This study aimed to assess the association between small airway disease (SAD) and dynamic hyperinflation (DH) induced by the Glittre-daily life activities test (TGlittre) in COPD patients. This is a cross-sectional study in which 54 patients with COPD underwent TGlittre coupled with dynamic ventilation measurements. They also underwent the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) questionnaire, the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), spirometry, and respiratory oscillometry (RO). In the TGlittre, 30 (55.6%) participants presented DH (DH group), while 24 (44.4%) did not (NDH group). When comparing these two groups, we observed no statistical difference concerning the CAT score, SGRQ score, and spirometric parameters. Respectively, 27 (90%) and 9 (37.5%) participants in the DH and NDH groups presented changes in the RO, with the DH group showing higher values in the reactance area [Ax, 24.7 (17-46) vs. 6.1 (4-9) cm H2O/L/s, p<0.0001] and resonance frequency [Fres, (8 (4.3-17.9) vs. 2.8 (2.3-4.7) Hz, p<0.0001]. DH correlated significantly with Fres (rs=-0.604, p<0.0001), Ax (rs=-0.652, p<0.0001), and several domains of the SGRQ and CAT scores. In the multivariate regression analysis, Fres and Ax explained 49% of the variability in DH. In conclusion, our results show that patients with COPD and DH have more altered RO. In these patients, the more pronounced the DH, the worse the RO parameters, the greater the symptom impact, and the more deteriorated the quality of life. Furthermore, SAD is a significant predictor of DH in this patient population.</p>","PeriodicalId":51593,"journal":{"name":"Monaldi Archives for Chest Disease","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144081924","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Natalia Zaporojan, Ramona Hodișan, Andreea Atena Zaha, Claudiu Zaporojan, Dana Carmen Zaha
{"title":"Performance of conventional laboratory tests and Xpert MTB/RIF in the diagnosis of tuberculosis.","authors":"Natalia Zaporojan, Ramona Hodișan, Andreea Atena Zaha, Claudiu Zaporojan, Dana Carmen Zaha","doi":"10.4081/monaldi.2025.3394","DOIUrl":"10.4081/monaldi.2025.3394","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The laboratory diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) represents a continuous challenge due to the variability and complexity of the required clinical samples. Although molecular technologies have considerably improved diagnostic accuracy, their combined use with traditional methods like microscopy and bacterial culture remains a subject of debate. This study aims to compare the performance of microscopy, bacterial culture on Löwenstein-Jensen medium, and the molecular Xpert MTB/RIF test in diagnosing pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB. In this retrospective study, conducted over a period from January 2016 to January 2023, data were collected from pulmonary TB and extrapulmonary TB samples of patients hospitalized in the pneumonology departments of the Bihor County Emergency Hospital. The study included 1796 patients, of whom 85.2% had samples collected from the respiratory tract. The variability of sensitivity and specificity depending on the type of sample indicates the need for a differentiated approach in diagnosis. The results show that the Xpert MTB/RIF test detected a higher number of positive cases (16%) compared to microscopy (9%) and bacterial culture (15%). Statistical analysis revealed a high sensitivity and specificity of Xpert MTB/RIF, suggesting superior accuracy compared to traditional methods. Our conclusions underline the importance of the Xpert MTB/RIF as a valuable tool in the diagnosis of TB, but it is recommended to use it in combination with other methods to ensure a complete and efficient diagnosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":51593,"journal":{"name":"Monaldi Archives for Chest Disease","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144025186","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marta Catarina Bernardo, Isabel Moreira, Catarina Ribeiro Carvalho, José Pedro Guimarães, Luís Adão, Sílvia Leão, Sofia Silva Carvalho, José Ilídio Moreira
{"title":"Refractory supraventricular tachycardia from a coronary sinus diverticulum leading to cardiogenic shock: a challenging ablation case.","authors":"Marta Catarina Bernardo, Isabel Moreira, Catarina Ribeiro Carvalho, José Pedro Guimarães, Luís Adão, Sílvia Leão, Sofia Silva Carvalho, José Ilídio Moreira","doi":"10.4081/monaldi.2025.3385","DOIUrl":"10.4081/monaldi.2025.3385","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A 58-year-old male with a past medical history of radiofrequency ablation of a concealed posteroseptal accessory pathway presented to the emergency department with palpitations and acute heart failure. The electrocardiogram showed narrow QRS tachycardia with a heart rate of 170 bpm. Despite boluses of adenosine and amiodarone perfusion, the patient experienced recurrent supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), leading to cardiogenic shock. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was initiated for hemodynamic support. An electrophysiologic study identified an accessory pathway in a coronary sinus diverticulum. Successful radiofrequency ablation was performed, resulting in clinical and left ventricular ejection fraction improvement. This case highlights the challenges in managing incessant SVT with cardiogenic shock and complex ablation procedures.</p>","PeriodicalId":51593,"journal":{"name":"Monaldi Archives for Chest Disease","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144267879","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Impact of patient counseling on medication adherence and drug resistance patterns in tuberculosis patients.","authors":"Sanatkumar Bharamu Nyamagoud, Princy Domnic Dsouza, Sai Phalguna Prakash Chitralu, Kadambari Solankure, Agadi Hiremath Viswanatha Swamy","doi":"10.4081/monaldi.2025.3434","DOIUrl":"10.4081/monaldi.2025.3434","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Tuberculosis (TB) remains a primary global health concern, with non-adherence to anti-TB therapy contributing to prolonged infectiousness, treatment failure, and unfavorable outcomes. Despite established treatment protocols, adherence remains suboptimal due to patient-related, healthcare system, and socioeconomic barriers. This study aimed to identify key factors contributing to non-adherence and to evaluate the impact of structured patient counseling on treatment adherence. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Vivekananda General Hospital, Hubballi, India, involving 80 hospitalized TB patients. Data collection included demographic details and medication adherence scores, measured before and 1 month after counseling using the Medication Adherence Report Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27.0, with Pearson's correlation applied to assess changes in adherence. The mean adherence scores significantly increased from 4.24±1.452 to 7.05±1.525 following counseling (p=0.006). The most commonly reported barriers to adherence included forgetfulness (62.5%), limited access to healthcare (50%), and poor communication with healthcare providers (47.75%). These findings highlight the effectiveness of structured counseling in improving adherence among TB patients. Addressing both individual and systemic barriers through targeted counseling interventions should be considered an integral component of TB care strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":51593,"journal":{"name":"Monaldi Archives for Chest Disease","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144477842","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Giovanni Battista Migliori, Rosella Centis, Lia D'Ambrosio, Dina Visca, Onno W Akkerman, Denise Rossato Silva, Daria Podlekareva, Yousra Kherabi
{"title":"Post-tuberculosis lung disease patients benefit from vaccinations as other respiratory conditions.","authors":"Giovanni Battista Migliori, Rosella Centis, Lia D'Ambrosio, Dina Visca, Onno W Akkerman, Denise Rossato Silva, Daria Podlekareva, Yousra Kherabi","doi":"10.4081/monaldi.2025.3525","DOIUrl":"10.4081/monaldi.2025.3525","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Dear Editor, A joint statement of the Italian respiratory, infectious diseases, and public health societies has been recently published on the best vaccination strategies in respiratory disease...</p>","PeriodicalId":51593,"journal":{"name":"Monaldi Archives for Chest Disease","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144152853","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Q fever endocarditis: a diagnostic challenge in a complex cardiological case.","authors":"Riccardo Rovelli, Elisa Brangi, Francesca Capasso, Martina Mazzini, Michela Raffo, Enrico Vizzardi","doi":"10.4081/monaldi.2025.3504","DOIUrl":"10.4081/monaldi.2025.3504","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Q fever endocarditis remains a diagnostic challenge today. Although it is a rare condition, it is crucial to recognize, as it represents the most common cause of endocarditis with persistently negative blood cultures. Here, we present the case of a 73-year-old woman with a history of coronary artery disease and systemic sclerosis who was admitted to the hospital complaining of asthenia and dyspnea. An echocardiographic examination revealed a highly mobile pedunculated mass on the mitral valve, suggestive of endocarditis. During the diagnostic workup, blood cultures were repeatedly negative, but serological testing confirmed positivity for Coxiella burnetii (IgG phase I 1:128). After diagnosing Q fever endocarditis, antibiotic therapy with doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine was initiated but was soon discontinued due to the development of renal impairment and thrombocytopenia. The clinical course was further complicated by cardiac arrest, leading to the patient's death. Given the rarity of this condition, this case highlights the importance of considering Q fever endocarditis in the differential diagnosis of blood culture-negative endocarditis and underscores the need for rapid diagnosis using advanced diagnostic techniques to improve patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":51593,"journal":{"name":"Monaldi Archives for Chest Disease","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144318649","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The impact of post-COVID syndrome across a multitude of health domains: a comparative analysis in previously hospitalized <i>versus</i> non-hospitalized COVID-19 survivors.","authors":"Elif Yildirim, Ipek Ozmen, Meral Sahin, Begum Ozpolat, Ahmet Kursat Karaman, Emine Aksoy","doi":"10.4081/monaldi.2025.3416","DOIUrl":"10.4081/monaldi.2025.3416","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to evaluate the impact of post-COVID syndrome across a multitude of health domains among COVID-19 survivors via comparative analysis in previously hospitalized vs. non-hospitalized patients. A total of 158 adult COVID survivors who had symptoms that continued during post-COVID recovery were included in this prospective observational study. Data on handgrip strength, the 1-minute sit-to-stand test (1-MSTST), radiological scoring (CXR), Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnea, Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Post-COVID-19 Functional Status, Hospital Anxiety-Depression Scale, and Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36) health-related quality of life (SF-36 HRQoL) were recorded. Post-COVID 1st-month data revealed dyspnea (MRC scale ≥2 in 57.0% of patients) and fatigue (FAS scores ≥22 in 55.7%), a decrease in handgrip strength (60.0%) and physical activity (60.0%), poor HRQoL (SF-36 general health score ≤50 in 61.4%), and radiological disease progression (CXR score ≥3 in 56.8%) in at least half of patients, along with depression (34.8%) or anxiety (43.7%). Post-COVID 6th-month values for fat-free mass index (p=0.008), 1-MSTST recovery time (p=0.012), and 3rd-month CXR scores (p=0.024) were significantly higher, and 3rd-month SF-36 social functioning domain scores (p=0.026) were significantly lower in previously hospitalized vs. non-admitted patients. In conclusion, our findings indicate a diverse range of impairments in several health domains in COVID-19 survivors, while radiological disease progression and functional limitations were more remarkable in those with previous hospitalization. A comprehensive assessment of health status and persisting rehabilitation needs is necessary in COVID-19 survivors, regardless of disease severity.</p>","PeriodicalId":51593,"journal":{"name":"Monaldi Archives for Chest Disease","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144486960","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Approach to mechanical ventilation: a simplified approach for a pulmonologist.","authors":"Pratap Upadhya, Sanjana H S, Harshith R, Vemuri Mahesh Babu, Karthik Balasoupramaniane, Zeenathaalam Nadaf","doi":"10.4081/monaldi.2025.3476","DOIUrl":"10.4081/monaldi.2025.3476","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Mechanical ventilation is a critical intervention for patients with respiratory failure, providing essential support for oxygenation and ventilation while reducing the work of breathing. It operates through key breath-phase variables: triggering (breath initiation), targeting (flow or pressure delivery), and cycling (ending inspiration). Various ventilation modes, including invasive and non-invasive methods, are tailored to patient needs. Non-invasive ventilation and high-flow nasal cannula are first-line options in acute respiratory distress, whereas invasive mechanical ventilation is necessary for severe cases. Optimal ventilatory strategies aim to prevent complications such as barotrauma, volutrauma, and dynamic hyperinflation by carefully adjusting parameters like tidal volume, respiratory rate, and positive end-expiratory pressure. One major challenge in mechanical ventilation is patient-ventilator dyssynchrony, where the patient's respiratory efforts do not align with the ventilator's cycles, leading to increased work of breathing and discomfort. Dyssynchrony can occur during the trigger, target, or cycle phases, requiring waveform analysis and ventilator adjustments to optimize synchrony. Weaning from mechanical ventilation follows a structured process involving readiness assessment, spontaneous breathing trials, and extubation. Successful weaning depends on maintaining stable respiratory function, with close monitoring to prevent post-extubation failure. Identifying and managing ventilatory complications, optimizing patient comfort, and ensuring an individualized approach to ventilator management are key to improving patient outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of mechanical ventilation, its principles, common challenges, and weaning strategies to guide effective clinical decision-making.</p>","PeriodicalId":51593,"journal":{"name":"Monaldi Archives for Chest Disease","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144259364","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}