Medicina
-
Comparative Study
[Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in coronary heart disease patients with different low-density lipoprotein phenotypes].
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) heterogeneity is now well recognized as an important factor reflecting differences in lipoprotein composition, size, metabolism and genetic influences. There is an abundant evidence of data supporting the clinical importance of small, dense LDL particles in the development of coronary heart disease. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of LDL phenotypes A and B in coronary artery disease patients and to assess the incidence of cardiovascular risk factors in groups with different phenotype. ⋯ LDL phenotype B was determined in 39.5% of coronary heart disease patients. Atherogenic LDL subclass pattern B correlated with higher incidence of major coronary heart disease risk factors.
-
Passive smoking has been shown to be a risk factor for respiratory diseases in children. Some authors reported reduced lung function of children exposed to passive smoking. The purpose of the study was to assess the prevalence of exposure to passive smoking and its relation to respiratory health of Kaunas children. ⋯ Multiple regression analysis that included variables such as passive smoking, family history of allergy, smoked mother during pregnancy, gas stove and pets in child's room showed that FEF25 and FEF50 in girls were related to passive smoking. Our data show that more than two fifth of children are exposed to passive smoking which is associated with increased prevalence of chronic cough, wheezing, running nose and sneezing without cold. Passive smoking is also related to decreased lung function, especially for small airway flows.
-
In 2000-2003 surgeons performed 616 surgeries on arterio-venous access formation, more than 30% of them were radiocephalic. In 36.9% of cases of radiocephalic fistula early thrombotic complications developed (during the first month after operation) and a new access creation was needed. Various factors that indicate early thrombotic complications in radiocephalic fistula were assessed. 146 case records were analyzed retrospectively and all patients were divided into two groups. ⋯ Comparison of the groups showed that the main disease, patients age, gender and technique of operation (all surgeries were performed using microsurgical technique, but accesses were formed "end to end" or "end to side" using 7/0 or 8/0 sutures), did not influence the development of early thrombotic complications in radiocephalic fistula. The shorter time of maturation of new access was associated with more frequent early thrombotic complications: the mean time of new vascular access maturation was 15.45+/-2.56 days in the first group, and 12.5+/-2.42 days in the second group (p<0.05). A marked tendency of more frequent early thrombotic complications was noticed in patients older than 60 years and in patients with ischemic heart disease.
-
The upper cervical spine includes the articulations of the occiput with atlas and the atlas with the axis, as well as the bony structures of the base of the skull, axis, and atlas. The unique anatomy of the upper cervical spine and the typical mechanisms of injury yield a predictable variety of injury patterns. Injuries to this area include occipital condyle fractures, occipitoatlantal dislocations, subluxations and dislocations of the atlantoaxial articulation, atlas fractures, odontoid fractures, and fractures of the arch of the axis. ⋯ The complex regional anatomy and overlying structures make plain radiographic images difficult to interpret. Delayed recognition can result in significant disability. A thorough understanding of the clinical presentation, radiographic assessment, and mechanisms of injury can minimize morbidity and enhance treatment effectiveness for the more common upper cervical ligamentous and bony injuries.
-
For years, smoking induced inflammatory reaction, comprised mainly of neutrophils and macrophages, has been accepted to be the major component in pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. New developments in molecular and cell biology have provided scientists with new knowledge and understanding of inflammatory processes in lung. Recent reports have underlined the role of autoimmunity and T lymphocytes as a potential important factor, which takes place in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This article reviews potential mechanism of T cell mediated immune response in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.