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In a recent trial we have assessed fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) in a cohort of patients with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In the current study we have retrospectively investigated the frequency of severe hospitalization-associated exacerbations in the same cohort over 3 years after the initial FENO measurement. A total of 58 COPD patients were enrolled and allocated either into the low (< 27 ppb) or the high (≥ 27 ppb) FENO group depending on their FENO level at exacerbation. Beside the annual rate of exacerbations, sputum culture results and the frequency of antibiotic treatments were also analyzed during the follow-up. Both the number of exacerbations per patient-year and the hospitalization days due to exacerbations were significantly increased in patients from the low FENO group compared to those from the high FENO group. Sputum samples derived from patients in the low FENO group were more frequently indicative of a bacterial infection compared to those obtained from the other subgroup. Also, the frequency of antibiotic treatments was significantly increased in subjects from the low FENO group. Results of this pilot study suggest that COPD patients have diverse risks for future exacerbations depending on their FENO levels at exacerbation.
Introduction
Exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO) has been widely implicated as a pulmonary biomarker in respiratory diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the treatment of patients with severe acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) could be aided by monitoring the changes in eCO.
Methods
The levels of eCO along with routine clinical parameters were analyzed in 29 current smoker and 33 ex-smoker COPD patients, first at the time of hospital admission, and again at discharge following the standard treatment. Patients with AECOPD were also stratified according to sputum bacteria.
Results
At exacerbation, the levels of eCO were increased in current smokers compared to ex-smokers (6.0 [2.0–9.5] versus 1.0 [1.0–2.0] ppm, p < 0.001). Similarly, eCO levels were higher in smokers after treatment (7.0 [2.0–12.5] versus 1.0 [1.0–2.0] ppm, p < 0.001). Treatment of AECOPD did not affect eCO concentrations. The levels of eCO were not statistically different between bacterial and non-bacterial AECOPD either. Investigating a subgroup of current smoker patients (n = 15), there was a significant correlation between the levels of eCO and blood carboxyhemoglobin concentrations both at exacerbation and discharge. No associations were found between eCO and lung function or blood gas parameters.
Conclusion
Our results suggest that monitoring eCO during the treatment of AECOPD is of limited clinical value.
The aim of the present study was to examine the infuence of hydrolyzed, nanofltered concentrate of the ultrafltered permeate (HNF concentrate) of acid whey on the quality characteristics of milk-based ice cream. Thermophysical properties were determined by differential scanning calorimeter, consistency was measured by oscillatory rheometer, and sensorial quality was evaluated by scoring method. It was concluded that the acid whey did not increase the melting of the product, and reduced the freezing point. Cryoscopic temperature, onset point, and glass transition temperature (Tg) gradually decreased as the quantity and proportion of acid whey increased in the ice-cream. Rheological results indicated that using HNF, acid whey produced more creamy and smooth ice-cream. However, because of its characteristic taste, maximum 20% of milk could be replaced by HNF acid whey in milk-based ice-creams.
