Arch Med Sci
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Arthrogryposes - multiple joint contractures - are a clinically and etiologically heterogeneous class of diseases, where accurate diagnosis, recognition of the underlying pathology and classification are of key importance for the prognosis as well as for selection of appropriate management. This treatment remains challenging and optimally in arthrogrypotic patients should be carried out by a team of specialists familiar with all aspects of arthrogryposis pathology and treatment modalities: rehabilitation, orthotics and surgery. In this comprehensive review article, based on literature and clinical experience, the authors present an update on current knowledge on etiology, classifications and treatment options for skeletal deformations possible in arthrogryposis.
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Pathogens, including Helicobacter pylori (Hp), have been suggested to contribute to the development of coronary heart disease (CHD), although the evidence still remains insufficient. The study was focused on the exposure of CHD patients to Hp and resulting anti-Hp heat shock protein B HspB antibody production in relation to the level of serum lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) as a marker of inflammation. ⋯ Lipopolysaccharide binding protein secreted in excess together with anti-Hp HspB, cross-reacting with human Hsp60, may increase the risk of vascular pathologies in Hp-exposed CHD patients.
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Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), which is an essential marker of inflammation, has been shown to be associated with adverse outcomes in various cardiovascular diseases in the literature. In this study we sought to evaluate the association between NLR and prognosis of acute pulmonary embolism (APE). ⋯ In patients presenting with APE, NLR value is an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality and may be used for clinical risk classification.
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Severe sepsis and septic shock are advanced clinical conditions representing the patient's response to infection and having a variable but high mortality rate. Early evaluation of sepsis stage and choice of adequate treatment are key factors for survival. Some study results suggest the necessity of daily procalcitonin (PCT) monitoring because of its prognostic and discriminative value. ⋯ According to the results, single serum PCT measurement, regardless of absolute value, has a discriminative impact but no prognostic significance, during the first 2 days of therapy. The PCT kinetics is of prognostic value from the 3(rd) day and is of earlier prognostic significance in comparison to changes in the patient's clinical condition evaluated by SOFA score kinetics.
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Connective tissues diseases (CTDs) are a heterogeneous group of disorders that share certain clinical characteristics and disturbed immunoregulation. Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), also known as diffuse parenchymal lung diseases, are among the most serious pulmonary complications associated with CTDs. Interleukin 9 (IL-9), IL-4 and interferon γ (IFN-γ) - cytokines with important roles in autoimmune disease - were studied in CTD patients and CTD-ILD patients. ⋯ Interleukin-9 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of CTD and may contribute to the progression of interstitial lung injury in CTD patients.