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Polish Archives of Internal Medicine Dec 2023Previous studies have indicated that COVID-19 symptoms may persist for up to 12 months after recovery; however, data on this phenomenon are still limited.
INTRODUCTION
Previous studies have indicated that COVID-19 symptoms may persist for up to 12 months after recovery; however, data on this phenomenon are still limited.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, the most common symptoms, and the risk factors for development of post-COVID syndrome in hospitalized and nonhospitalized patients during a 12-month follow-up after recovery from COVID-19.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
This longitudinal study was based on medical data collected at follow-up visits at 3 and 12 months post-COVID-19. Sociodemographic data, chronic conditions, and the most common clinical symptoms were assessed. A total of 643 patients were enrolled in the final analysis.
RESULTS
A majority of the study group were women (63.1%), and the median age of the entire group was 52 years (interquartile range [IQR] 43-63). After 12 months, a median of 65.7% (IQR, 62.1%-69.6%) of the patients declared the presence of at least 1 clinical symptom of post-COVID syndrome. The most common complaints were asthenia (median, 45.7% [IQR, 41.9%-49.6%]) and neurocognitive symptoms (median, 40% [IQR, 36%-40.1%]). In a multivariable analysis, female sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.49; P = 0.01) and severe COVID-19 course (OR, 3.05; P <0.001) were associated with persistence of clinical symptoms for up to 12 months after recovery.
CONCLUSIONS
After 12 months, persistent symptoms were declared by 65.7% of the patients. The most common symptoms 3 and 12 months after the infection were worse tolerance to exercise, fatigue, palpitations, and memory or concentration problems. Women are at a higher risk of experiencing persistent symptoms, and COVID-19 severity was a predictor of persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Follow-Up Studies; Longitudinal Studies; Prevalence; COVID-19; Poland; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37338234
DOI: 10.20452/pamw.16512 -
Polish Archives of Internal Medicine Apr 2020Mast cells (MCs) are an important component of the immune system. Their physiological function is involved in multiple areas of human physiology, thus symptoms of their... (Review)
Review
Mast cells (MCs) are an important component of the immune system. Their physiological function is involved in multiple areas of human physiology, thus symptoms of their increased activation vary greatly from severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, to chronic symptoms, such as depression or osteoporosis. Studies on mastocytosis revealed a subgroup of patients presenting symptoms of increased MC degranulation, defined as mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). This population includes patients with primary MCAS with clonal abnormal MCs, who do not fulfill the criteria for mastocytosis. These symptoms often overlap with comorbidities, which makes the diagnosis and treatment of MCAS difficult. The syndrome is diagnosed on the basis of 3 criteria: 1) the presence of typical symptoms; 2) elevation of serum tryptase levels; and 3) response to anti-mediator treatment. The diagnosis of MCAS is important especially in patients with anaphylaxis or osteoporosis who require the use of an epinephrine emergency kit and insect venom immunotherapy. In this review, genetic mechanisms and typical symptoms of MCAS as well as its diagnostic criteria and implications were discussed, with a special emphasis on practical guidance with the aim to improve patient care.
Topics: Anaphylaxis; Arthropod Venoms; Humans; Mast Cells; Mastocytosis; Syndrome
PubMed: 32096778
DOI: 10.20452/pamw.15212 -
Incidence and course of acute coronary syndrome cases after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.Kardiologia Polska 2023The collateral damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic affected cardiovascular disease patients, mainly acute coronary syndrome (ACS) cases. Additionally, lockdown caused...
BACKGROUND
The collateral damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic affected cardiovascular disease patients, mainly acute coronary syndrome (ACS) cases. Additionally, lockdown caused treatment-related concerns and reluctance to seek medical help, factors that can delay treatment.
AIM
We aimed to analyze the incidence and course of ACS after the first COVID-19 wave.
METHODS
The report is based on a multi-institutional registry of 10 interventional cardiology departments. ACS patient data were gathered from June to October 2020, i.e. in the period following the first lockdown in Poland (March 30-May 31, 2020) and compared with the corresponding 2019 timeframe.
RESULTS
Patients (2801 and 2620) hospitalized for ACS in 2019 and 2020 (June-October) represented 52.8% and 57.9% of coronary artery disease admissions, respectively. In 2020 vs. 2019, more cases of arterial hypertension (80.2% vs. 71.5%; P <0.001), diabetes (32.7% vs. 28.2%; P <0.001) hyperlipidemia (53.2% vs. 49.8%; P = 0.01), and smoking history (29.5% vs. 25.8%; P = 0.003) were detected. Median troponin and cholesterol values, as well as glycemia, were higher in 2020. Patients were more likely to undergo percutaneous treatment (91.2% vs. 87.5%; P <0.001) and were less often referred for surgery (3.7% vs. 4.9%; P = 0.03). No differences in deaths from repeat myocardial infarction, stroke, and/or composite endpoint (major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events [MACCE]) were noted. However, suffering from ACS in 2020 (June-October) was a risk factor for mortality based on multivariable analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
The COVID-19 pandemic affected ACS patient profile, course of treatment, and increased risk for mortality.
Topics: Humans; Acute Coronary Syndrome; COVID-19; Incidence; Pandemics; Communicable Disease Control; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
PubMed: 36354113
DOI: 10.33963/KP.a2022.0250 -
Korean Journal of Radiology Oct 2019Identification of certain abnormalities of the chest wall can be extremely helpful in correctly diagnosing a number of syndromic conditions and systemic diseases....
Identification of certain abnormalities of the chest wall can be extremely helpful in correctly diagnosing a number of syndromic conditions and systemic diseases. Additionally, chest wall abnormalities may sometimes constitute diagnoses by themselves. In the present pictorial essay, we review a number of such conditions and provide illustrative cases that were retrospectively identified from our clinical imaging database. These include pentalogy of Cantrell, Klippel-Feil syndrome, cleidocranial dysplasia, Poland syndrome, osteopetrosis, neurofibromatosis type 1, Marfan syndrome, Gardner syndrome, systemic sclerosis, relapsing polychondritis, polymyositis/dermatomyositis, ankylosing spondylitis, hyperparathyroidism, rickets, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, tuberculosis, septic arthritis of the sternoclavicular joint, elastofibroma dorsi, and sternal dehiscence.
Topics: Adult; Congenital Abnormalities; Humans; Klippel-Feil Syndrome; Polychondritis, Relapsing; Retrospective Studies; Spondylitis, Ankylosing; Thoracic Wall
PubMed: 31544369
DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2019.0181 -
Polish Archives of Internal Medicine Nov 2022Nephropathic cystinosis (NC) is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder leading to lysosomal accumulation of cystine. It is caused by mutations in the CTNS gene encoding a...
INTRODUCTION
Nephropathic cystinosis (NC) is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder leading to lysosomal accumulation of cystine. It is caused by mutations in the CTNS gene encoding a cystine cotransporter cystinosin. The infantile (INC) and juvenile (JNC) forms are distinguished. The former, responsible for 95% of cases, is characterized by development of renal Fanconi syndrome, end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), and extrarenal complications. A therapy with cysteamine significantly improves outcomes. There are limited data on NC in the Central Eastern European countries.
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to evaluate the prevalence, genetic background, and clinical course of NC in the Polish population.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We performed a retrospective analysis of data of all identified NC patients in Poland.
RESULTS
Between 1982 and 2017, 15 patients with NC (13 ICN, 2 JCN) were identified. The most common mutations of the CTNS gene were c.18_c.21delGACT and c.681+1G>A, whereas only 2 patients carried the 57 kb deletion. The majority (11/13) of INC patients with limited access to the cysteamine therapy developed ESKD at a median age of 11 years and 9 of them received kidney transplants. Three INC patients died at a median age of 24 years. In contrast, 2 INC patients treated adequately present normal kidney function and growth at the age of 13 and 11 years. Two JNC patients presented a milder course.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of NC in Poland is much lower than in the Western countries and its molecular background appears to be different. The unfavorable course in the majority of INC patients was caused by a limited access to the cysteamine treatment.
Topics: Humans; Child; Young Adult; Adult; Cystinosis; Fanconi Syndrome; Retrospective Studies; Cysteamine; Poland; Cystine; Kidney Failure, Chronic
PubMed: 35997069
DOI: 10.20452/pamw.16320 -
Nutrients Jul 2023(1) Background: Rett syndrome may be considered a disease strongly associated with nutritional disorders that are likely to require special management strategies,...
(1) Background: Rett syndrome may be considered a disease strongly associated with nutritional disorders that are likely to require special management strategies, extending beyond what is usually required for children with other developmental disorders. The aim of the study was to assess the nutritional status and diet of Polish girls with Rett syndrome. (2) Methods: Each patient (study group = 49, control group = 22) underwent anthropometric measurements, including body weight and height, waist, hip and arm circumference, and skinfold measurement. The assessment of the diet was based on the analysis of 7-day menus and the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ-6). Data were analyzed using Statistica 13.3. (3) Results: The majority of the girls with Rett syndrome were deficient in weight and height, and consumed fewer calories, less protein, dietary fiber, calcium, and iron than the control group. They also drank less fluid. Soft products that were easy to chew and considered to be high in energy value were significantly more common in the menus. (4) Conclusions: Girls with Rett syndrome are characterized by weight deficiencies, poor growth that deteriorates with age, and are at risk of food shortages. Various nutritional intervention strategies should be explored to reduce and, if possible, prevent malnutrition and cachexia in such patients.
Topics: Child; Female; Humans; Nutritional Status; Rett Syndrome; Case-Control Studies; Poland; Diet; Anthropometry
PubMed: 37571271
DOI: 10.3390/nu15153334 -
Neurologia I Neurochirurgia Polska 2022Susac's syndrome is a rare microangiopathy affecting small vessels of the retina, inner ear and brain. It is characterised by a triad of symptoms: encephalopathy, visual...
Susac's syndrome is a rare microangiopathy affecting small vessels of the retina, inner ear and brain. It is characterised by a triad of symptoms: encephalopathy, visual defects, and sensorineural hearing loss. The disease is probably caused by an autoimmune process. Diagnosis is based on the typical symptoms, brain MRI, and, most importantly, fluorescein angiography. It is important to distinguish between Susac's syndrome and multiple sclerosis or migraine with aura, because misdiagnosis leads to the wrong treatment. To date, no detailed guidelines for the treatment of Susac's syndrome have been developed. Immunosuppression seems to be effective. It must be remembered that early and aggressive treatment is crucial, and that delays in diagnosis, and as a result in treatment implementation, worsen the prognosis.
Topics: Brain; Brain Diseases; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Retinal Artery Occlusion; Susac Syndrome
PubMed: 34985117
DOI: 10.5603/PJNNS.a2021.0082 -
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive &... Nov 2021Pectoralis major absence generates chest wall deformity and always requires surgical intervention. This study aimed to introduce a technique to reconstruct the chest...
BACKGROUND
Pectoralis major absence generates chest wall deformity and always requires surgical intervention. This study aimed to introduce a technique to reconstruct the chest wall for male Poland Syndrome patients with endoscopic latissimus dorsi muscle (ELDM) flap via a single transverse axillary incision and evaluate its safety and effectiveness.
METHODS
A prospective study was designed to recruit male Poland Syndrome candidates for ELDM chest reconstruction. By performing a short and hidden transaxillary incision, we created anterior chest wall pocket and transferred the latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) flap to recontour the chest wall. Data for patient demographics, LDM flap dimension, operative time, and complications were collected. Upper extremity functional disabilities were evaluated by the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) outcome questionnaire. Satisfaction with the outcome was measured by satisfaction with outcome subscale of the BREAST-Q questionnaire.
RESULTS
This study recruited 11 eligible patients to receive ELDM chest wall reconstruction. ELDM flap harvesting averagely consumed 79.9 minutes. Without significant complications, all patients recovered uneventfully. Chest wall anomalies of different severity were corrected safely and effectively. The score of DASH was 3.7±3.3 preoperatively and 4.0±3.7 postoperatively with no statistically significant difference. The score of satisfaction with the outcome was 84.8±14.3.
CONCLUSIONS
For chest wall anomalies of different severity in male Poland Syndrome patients, the ELDM technique provides a safe and efficient way to reconstruct the chest wall with a better aesthetic outcome, high satisfaction rate, and satisfactory upper limb function.
Topics: Adult; Endoscopy; Humans; Male; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Poland Syndrome; Prospective Studies; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Superficial Back Muscles; Surgical Flaps; Thoracic Wall
PubMed: 34039526
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2021.03.117 -
Pain and Therapy Feb 2024Defects in the glycosaminoglycan layer (GAG) of the bladder mucosa have been identified as a significant contributor to the pathogenesis and clinical progression of... (Review)
Review
Glycosaminoglycan Replacement Therapy with Intravesical Instillations of Combined Hyaluronic Acid and Chondroitin Sulfate in Patients with Recurrent Cystitis, Post-radiation Cystitis and Bladder Pain Syndrome: A Narrative Review.
Defects in the glycosaminoglycan layer (GAG) of the bladder mucosa have been identified as a significant contributor to the pathogenesis and clinical progression of chronic inflammatory diseases of the bladder, such as post-radiation cystitis, bladder pain syndrome and recurrent urinary tract infections. This narrative review aims to explore the contemporary evidence on the role of GAG reconstitution with intravesical installations of hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate in the management of those patients, with a goal to provide valuable insights for clinical practice. The reviewed studies consistently demonstrate that GAG reconstitution can result in varying degrees of clinical improvement in patients with post-radiation cystitis, bladder pain syndrome and recurrent urinary tract infections, and is associated with a very favorable safety profile. While the available evidence is growing, its level is still limited, mainly by relatively low number of randomized controlled trials, with small sample sizes. Further research with larger, well-designed trials is needed to solidify the findings and optimize the clinical application of GAG reconstitution.
PubMed: 37917298
DOI: 10.1007/s40122-023-00559-1 -
Annals of Agricultural and... Dec 2023Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder with numerous hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive manifestations. Because of the variety of adverse...
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder with numerous hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive manifestations. Because of the variety of adverse consequences associated with the condition, women with PCOS suffer emotional distress, resulting in reduced health-related quality of life. Similar to other chronic conditions, eating patterns have been shown effective in impacting the quality of life of PCOS patients. Therefore, lifestyle modifications are recommended as a first-line therapy for PCOS, before prescribing any pharmaceutical management of the PCOS. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns, emotional distress, and perceived quality of life in women with diagnosed PCOS.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The cross-sectional study included 130 women with PCOS aged 18 - 60 years from the Polish population. The respondents were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire developed for the purpose of the study, inspired by the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (PCOSQ), Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R18), and the Eating attitude questionnaire (Eat-26).
RESULTS
Respondents were found to experience emotional distress regardless of how healthy their diet. Nonetheless, the results showed that women who followed a healthier eating pattern had lower occurrence of experiencing mood swings, and less often felt triggered in the social context. The group did not show a tendency to over-eat, gain weight, or binge eating.
CONCLUSIONS
Healthier eating habits, besides providing advantages in weight management, may mitigate symptoms of emotional distress and improve the quality of life in women with PCOS.
Topics: Humans; Female; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Quality of Life; Cross-Sectional Studies; Feeding Behavior; Psychological Distress
PubMed: 38153073
DOI: 10.26444/aaem/166585