Role of Helicobacter Pylori and Its Toxins in Lung and Digestive System Diseases
Pulmonary DiseaseOropharyngeal Disease4 moreThis study will examine bacteria and toxins in the mouth, lung and digestive system that may be the cause of various diseases or symptoms. H. pylori is a bacterium that produces various toxins that may contribute to lung problems. This study will examine specimens collected from the mouth, teeth, lung, digestive tract and blood to measure H. pylori and its toxins and their effects on cells. People 18 years of age and older with or without gastrointestinal disease may be eligible for this study. These include people without a history of lung disease as well as patients with any of the following: lymphangioleiomyomatosis, asthma, sarcoidosis, other chronic or genetic lung disease (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis or eosinophilic granuloma). Participants may undergo the following tests: Blood and urine tests, chest x-ray. Measurement of arterial blood gases: A small needle is placed in an artery in the forearm to collect arterial blood. Lung function tests: Subjects breathe deeply and occasionally hold their breath. They may also receive a medication that expands the airways. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy with lavage and bronchial brushing: The subject's mouth and throat are numbed with lidocaine; a sedative may be given for comfort. A thin flexible tube called a bronchoscope is advanced through the nose or mouth into the lung airways to examine the airways. Saline (salt water) is then injected through the bronchoscope into the air passage and then removed by gentle suction. Next, a small brush is passed through the bronchoscope and an area of the airway is brushed to collect some cells for examination. Mouth rinsing or teeth brushing to collect cells. Endoscopy: A small needle and catheter (thin plastic tube) are placed into an arm vein to administer fluids and medications through the vein. A sedative may be given. The throat is numbed with lidocaine and a thin flexible tube called an endoscope is inserted through the mouth and down the esophagus into the stomach and upper part of the small intestine to examine those areas.
Biomarkers for Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (BioTuScCom)
Hypomelanotic MaculesFacial Angiofibroma7 moreInternational, multicenter, observational, longitudinal study to identify biomarker/s for Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and to explore the clinical robustness, specificity, and long´-term variability of these biomarker/s
Sleep Patterns in Patients Affected by Lymphangioleiomiomatosis
LymphangioleiomyomatosisSleep Disorder2 moreLymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare and progressive pulmonary disease of unknown etiology that almost exclusively affects women. It is characterised by cystic radiological lung pattern and by the possible presence of angiomyolipomas in other sites or organs. Functionally LAM is associated with airway obstruction or restriction and progressive hypoxemia up to chronic respiratory failure. There are no studies, so far, which have investigated whether during sleep these patients show changes in the sleep profile and gas exchange and if these changes are related to disease severity. Aim of the study, prospective and pilot, is to evaluate whether the physiological modification of respiratory mechanics during sleep is associated with polysomnographic alterations in LAM.
Pulmonary Hypertension in Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
LymphangioleiomyomatosisPulmonary HypertensionThis is a descriptive study of patients with Lymphangioleiomyomatosis and precapillary pulmonary hypertension.
Benefits of Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients With Severe Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM)
LymphangioleiomyomatosisLAM1 moreData from patients with the orphan disease of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) which performed a pulmonary Rehabilitation program will be analyzed retrospectively. Data will be taken from the internal data base of the reference Center (Schoen Klinik Berchtesgadener Land, Schoenau, Germany) where These data were collected during clinical routine. Data will be included from the year 2000 until now. A retrospectively matched COPD cohort will be included for comparison.