Correlation of D-dimer level with the radiological severity indexes of pulmonary embolism on computed tomography pulmonary angiography

Background It is known that the main role of D-dimer has been as an exclusionary test in patients with suspected venous thromboembolism.However,the D-dimer is increasingly beginning to find clinical utility as a marker in the evaluation of the extent of the embolic disease.The aim of the study was to determine whether D-dimer levels predict the radiological markers of pulmonary embolism （PE） severity using Mastora score.Methods This prospective study involved 69 patients with acute PE proved by computed tomography pulmonary angiography （CTPA）.The D-dimer level was noted.A pulmonary artery obstruction index （PAOI; Mastora score） ≥21.3% indicated severe obstruction of PE.A right ventricle/left ventricle （RV/LV） ratio 〉0.9 indicated RV dysfunction.Results The median D-dimer level and PAOI were 765 μg/L （95% C/：750-1 205 μg/L） and 16.77% （95% CI：16.32%-23.06%）,respectively.The D-dimer level was positively correlated with PAOI （r=0.417,P 〈0.000 1）.PAOI ≥21.3% was associated with high D-dimer levels （median,993 μg/L （95% C/：856-1 841 μg/L）,Z=-2.991,P=0.003）.The D-dimer level was correlated with the RV/LV ratio （r=0.272,P=0.024）.RV/LV ratios 〉0.9 were associated with high D-dimer levels （median,880 μg/L （95% CI：764-1 360 μg/L）,Z=-2.070,P=0.038）.PAOI was positively correlated with the RV/LV ratio （r =0.390,P=0.001）.After three months,both the PAOI and D-dimer levels decreased （Z=-7.009,P 〈0.000 1; Z=-6.976,P〈0.000 1,respectively）.Conclusion D-dimer levels are positively correlated with PE burden and right ventricle dysfunction on CTPA,and can help monitor the therapeutic response.

The effects of Chinese Yam-Epimedium mixture on respiratory function and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVE:To examine the clinical effects of a mixture of Chinese Yam and Epimedium in patients with stable moderate or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).METHODS:Forty-nine patients with COPD were randomly allocated to a group whose usual treatment was supplemented with oral Chinese Yam-Epimedium mixture,or a control group given placebo.For each patient,body mass index,airflow obstruction,dyspnea,and exercise capacity were measured and converted into the BODE index before treatment and at one and three months after initiation of treatment.Participants also completed the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire(SGRQ) at the same intervals.RESULTS:After one month,improvements were seen in the BODE index and SGRQ of participants taking Chinese Yam-Epimedium mixture compared to controls.There were statistically significant differences in the SGRQ:three of its components and the total SGRQ scores were significantly decreased(P<0.05),respiratory symptom scores had improved(P<0.01),and the dyspnea component of the BODE index had significantly decreased(P<0.05).Similar improvements were observed after three months of treatment,but exercise tolerance had also improved:the six-minute walking distance had significantly increased(P<0.05) in the treatment group when compared with controls.CONCLUSION:Chinese Yam-Epimedium mixture can significantly improve dyspnea,exercise capacity,and the quality of life of patients with stable moderate or severe COPD.