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Introduction: Drugs used in asthma or COPD exacerbation are delivered to the lungs by inhalation. This is facilitated, among other factors, by the use of dry powder inhalers (DPIs). Lung deposition from DPI depends predominantly on peak inspiratory flow (PIF). The aim of the study was to asses the variability of PIF generated by patients using different types of DPI inhalers during asthma or COPD exacerbation and to trace possible relationships between PIF value and some spirometric values., Material and Methods: There were 28 patient fulfilling inclusion criteria, among them 17 (4 women) were suffering from COPD and 11 (8 women) from asthma. Spirometry, PEF and PIF measurements were performed in the first and the last day of hospitalisation. Peek inspiratory flow was obtained using In-Check DIAL - a device which simulated airflow resistances equivalent to Turbuhaler, Diskus and Aeroliser respectively., Results: The significant improvement in PIF was observed only in patients with COPD. There were no statistically significant correlations between PIF and both FEV1 and PEF except those in the first day of hospitalization in COPD patients (r = 0.66-0.81). Optimal PIF was achieved in all patients only with Diskus., Conclusions: Measurements of peek inspiratory flow are useful in choosing the most suitable DPI for patients with COPD and asthma exacerbations. We conclude that in those patients, PIF measurement should complement a standard spirometry.

Transient pancytopenia as an adverse hematologic reaction due to ticlopidine. We present a case of transient pancytopenia due to ticlopidine in 66-year-old woman who was administrated with ticlopidine as a primary prevention of heart failure. The first sign was a skin rush which was followed by ticlopidine cessation. Two days later she developed septic shock, pneumonia and neutropenia (600 cells/mm3) with decrease of platelats, erytrocytes count and hemoglobin. Blood transfusions were not required. After treatment with antibiotics according to antibiogram the patient recovered and was dismissed after 38 days with normal blood morphology. We conclude that ticlopidine was the most probable cause of transient pancytopenia. Severe adverse hematological effects due to ticlopidine occur in 0.8-2.3% cases. Thus treatment with ticlopidine should be cerfully considered.

A case of angioedema caused by enalapril, undiagnosed for 5 years was presented. Enhanced blood and tissue eosinophilia shown in nasal smear was observed. In addition increased activity of coagulation system was shown manifested by enhance of concentration of Hageman factor and cardiolipin antibodies IgM and IgA isotype. The role of coagulation, complement and fibrinolysis systems in pathogenesis of ACE-inhibitors induced angioedema was discussed. The influence of bradykinin on activity of eosinophils was analyzed.

The case of chylomicronemia syndrome in 45 year old man, previously misdiagnosed as hypercholesterolemia is described. Secondary causes of hyperlipoproteinemia were excluded. No symptoms, characteristic of familial lipoprotein lipase deficiency were observed. We concluded that the diagnosis of hyperlipoproteinemia has to be based on determination of all plasma lipids concentrations (total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol). Otherwise a false diagnosis is quite possible. In rare cases additional laboratory tests are needed.