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News Debate on Sepsis Biomarkers 'on Blood'
Sepsis represents a major cause of death from infectious diseases. Early identification of patients with a prognosis of sepsis is therefore crucial for their survival and prognosis. In addition to traditional biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) or procalcitonin (PCT), other markers are being sought that could be used in the differential diagnosis of sepsis. This issue was also addressed at a symposium organized by Beckmann Coulter, which took place on April 28, 2022, as part of the Colours of Sepsis congress in Ostrava.
News Adding Paracetamol to Tramadol to Relieve Early Postoperative Pain After Lumbar Discectomy
A recently published study is likely the first prospective randomized controlled trial comparing the postoperative analgesic efficacy of a tramadol and paracetamol combination versus tramadol alone. Its results favor the combination, with significantly lower pain scores during the first 30 minutes and reduced tramadol consumption within the first 24 hours post-surgery.
News Metformin − A Proven Helper That Effectively Protects the Heart of Diabetics
Metformin is one of the first-line medications for patients with type 2 diabetes. In addition to lowering blood glucose levels, it also affects other metabolic processes in the human body. Its antitumor, neuroprotective, and especially cardioprotective effects have been extensively studied, which can be advantageously utilized in the diabetic population.
News New Therapeutic Options in Light of Current Knowledge on the Pathogenesis of Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by intense itching and recurrent eczematous lesions. AD is diagnosed in 2 out of 10 children and often persists into adulthood. In developed countries, it is the most common skin disease with a lifetime prevalence exceeding 15%. However, it is also very diverse due to a wide range of clinical phenotypes reflecting various pathophysiological mechanisms and interactions between genetics, the immune system, and the environment. So, what have we learned about atopic dermatitis from recent research, and how has this translated into advances in its treatment?
News How Important is the Time Factor in the Treatment of Heart Failure?
Current guidelines emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and immediate treatment for patients with heart failure (HF). These patients are most vulnerable immediately after the decompensation of chronic HF, and intensive treatment can therefore reduce the risk of further hospitalization and mortality. The prognosis for these patients is unfavorable, and any delay in initiating therapy further worsens it. The treatment of chronic HF is often postponed if the symptoms are stable, and the risk of adverse outcomes and sudden death is underestimated. The time factor thus plays a significant role in all stages of HF.
News Sonicare Technology as a Modern Means for Good Oral Hygiene
Sonicare technology was developed and introduced to the market by Philips 30 years ago. Since then, the range of products has expanded, and the use of sonic technology has become accessible to a wide spectrum of patients with various problems and needs.
News Nearly 20 Years with Bevacizumab Has Brought Hope for Patients and Deeper Understanding of Solid Tumors
Bevacizumab is among the first targeted therapies used in oncology. For many indications where chemotherapy options had been exhausted and few other treatment modalities were available, it changed the treatment approach and brought patients prolonged progression-free survival or even overall survival. It has become a standard of care for many advanced cancers. What do we know today about this monoclonal antibody, first introduced in routine practice in 2005?
News Currently on the Issue of Interchangeability of Preparations with Levothyroxine in Practice
Levothyroxine (LT4) in oral form is the standard therapy for patients with hypothyroidism. Given the legislative possibility of generic substitution and the number of original and generic preparations containing LT4, its substitution is possible, though not recommended. What are the practical conclusions?
News Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension – Overview of Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is defined by the 2015 ESC/ERS guidelines as symptomatic pulmonary hypertension with persistent defects in lung perfusion despite adequate anticoagulation therapy. Significant values for determining a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension are a mean pulmonary artery pressure > 25 mmHg. However, this condition remains significantly underdiagnosed, mainly due to its nonspecific symptoms.
News fSCIG in Elderly Patients with PID or SID in Real Clinical Practice
The work of a team of German and Dutch authors presents data on the real clinical use of 10% subcutaneous immunoglobulin facilitated by hyaluronidase (fSCIG) in elderly patients with primary (PID) or secondary (SID) immunodeficiency.
News Perioperative Thromboprophylaxis in Elderly Patients
Thromboembolic disease (TED) is among the most common causes of death in hospitalized patients and also constitutes a significant portion of complications following surgical procedures. Without prophylaxis, thrombosis would develop in the perioperative period in almost 25% of patients. The risk of TED significantly increases with age, as does mortality. Over 21% of thrombotic complications occur in individuals over 65 years of age, and up to 16% of patients over 80 years old die shortly after being diagnosed with TED. It is crucial to focus on appropriate prevention and prophylaxis of TED in geriatric patients. However, studies have shown that thromboprophylaxis in hospitals in Europe and the USA is inadequate. Reasons may include concerns about increased bleeding during surgical procedures.
News When to Suspect Dravet Syndrome?
In 2022, an international consensus panel of experts on the diagnosis and treatment of Dravet syndrome was published. This was created due to the recently approved specific treatments for this disease and the development of disease-modifying therapies. The goal of the consensus is to improve diagnosis, set therapeutic goals, and optimal treatment procedures. We summarize the symptoms of the disease and situations in which genetic testing of the causal mutation is appropriate.
News Antiglaucoma Eye Drops with Preservatives – Higher Likelihood of Glaucoma Surgery?
A recently published French study sought to answer the question of whether there is a connection between the presence of preservatives in antiglaucoma eye drops and the probability of undergoing glaucoma surgery.
News Assessment of Infection Risk in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Treated with Various DMDs
Although the increased risk of infections with some disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) is known, we still lack sufficient real-world clinical data to evaluate and compare the risk levels of individual drugs. A Swedish study therefore provides information about these risks with glatiramer acetate, beta interferon, natalizumab, fingolimod, and rituximab in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS).
News Diagnosis of AAT Deficiency According to Italian Recommendations and a Clear Algorithm for Practice
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the lungs and liver. It is considered a rare disease, but it is also significantly underdiagnosed. Given the availability of specific treatment, which involves the administration of purified alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) derived from human plasma in patients with COPD due to AATD, identifying these patients is crucial. We summarize the recently issued Italian recommendations for the diagnosis of AATD and place them in the context of Czech standards.
News Deficit Alpha-1-Antitrypsin as an Underestimated Problem? What a Survey Among European Experts Revealed
Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a congenital disorder caused by mutations in the SERPINA1 gene. Although it is very well described, it is considered underdiagnosed and undertreated. A recent international survey conducted among specialists on this issue aimed to determine the current situation in Europe.
News Treatment of Depression with Persistent Severe Insomnia − Interactive Case Study
A 39-year-old patient comes to the psychiatric office due to depressive symptoms with anxiety and insomnia. He is worried about failing at work, also concerned about psychopharmaceuticals and their side effects, and is in psychotherapeutic care.
News Stabilization of Liver Metastases of CRC with Trifluridine/Tipiracil in 3rd Line Therapy – Case Study
We present a case study of a man born in 1944 who underwent resection of the rectosigmoid for multiple adenocarcinomas in February 2016. Subsequently discovered liver metastases were managed with several lines of palliative therapy in combination with repeated surgical resections. Trifluridine/tipiracil administered in the 3rd line represents a well-tolerated oral treatment for this patient, on which he achieved disease stabilization.
News Recommendations for Substitution Therapy with Immunoglobulins in Hemato-oncological Patients with Secondary Immunodeficiency – Expert Consensus According to the DELPHI Methodology
Substitution therapy with immunoglobulins is used not only for patients with primary immunodeficiencies. Below, we briefly summarize recommendations concerning hemato-oncological patients with secondary immunodeficiency.
News Benefits of Combining Olopatadine and Mometasone in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis
Ryaltris is indicated for adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older for the treatment of moderate to severe nasal symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis (AR). The active ingredient of the preparation is a fixed combination of locally acting antihistamine olopatadine hydrochloride and corticosteroid mometasone furoate. Its efficacy and safety have been confirmed by numerous clinical studies, compared to placebo, as well as other drugs used in the treatment of AR.
News Dressing Solutions for Better Wound Care
Although wounds at different stages of healing require different types of treatment, the essential part of any dressing change is cleaning the wound and its surroundings from tissue debris and microorganisms and protecting it from reinfection. Modern dressing solutions facilitate easy cleaning and moisturizing of wounds. Effective treatment also brings clinical and economic benefits.
News LDL cholesterol: a new risk factor for the onset of venous thromboembolic disease?
Not only do atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries and the risk of heart attack decrease along with LDL cholesterol levels. Results from a large molecular genetic study suggest that lowering its levels might also reduce the risk of venous thromboembolic disease.