Arch Med Sci
-
The aim of this study was to assess the relations between plasma renin activity (PRA), serum aldosterone concentration (ALDO) and selected asymptomatic organ damage (AOD) indices in mild primary arterial hypertension (AH). ⋯ Assessment of the influence of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) on AOD should include the relationship between renin and aldosterone. The PRA itself has no predictive value for AOD. More advanced arterial stiffness and renal impairment are associated with increased PRA and ARR. The RAAS activity might be useful in AOD prediction and hypertension severity assessment.
-
Since epidemiological arguments favouring self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic are widely recommended, the consequences of social isolation/loneliness of older people considered to be at higher risk for severe illness are neglected. We identified and described medical, social, psychological, and religious issues, indirectly generated by the COVID-19 lockdown. Mortality induced by SARS-CoV-2 and death from other "neglected" issues were put in balance. ⋯ Fear has led to anxiety disorders and depression. Various religious practices provide resources for coping with isolation/overcoming loneliness. Higher levels of mortality/morbidity due to "COVID-19 versus non-COVID-19" polarisation oblige the healthcare community to find ways to provide proper care for its elders.
-
Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) may lead to end stage renal disease and severely affect patient functioning and wellbeing. The aim of the study was to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children and adolescents with IgAN, and compare HRQoL in relation to the disease course, social status and psychological factors, such as expressing anger and perceived personal competence. ⋯ We found lower HRQoL in regard to physical and psychological wellbeing in a group of Polish children with IgAN compared to healthy peers. HRQoL should be monitored in this patient group.
-
The Child-Pugh and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores are widely used to predict the outcomes of liver transplant (LT). Both have similar prognostic values in most cases, although their benefits might differ in some specific conditions. The aim of our study was to analyze the influence of pre-transplant ascites and encephalopathy in post-transplant liver rejection development and survival in alcohol cirrhosis (AC) patients undergoing LT to determine the usefulness of the Child-Pugh score for the assessment of prognosis in such patients. ⋯ Ascites and encephalopathy do not seem to influence AC or CR in patient survival, regardless of the presence of viral infections, so in our study neither the Child-Pugh nor ALBI score seems to be the best score to predict the outcomes of these patients.
-
Paraphenylenediamine and related chemicals as allergens responsible for allergic contact dermatitis.
Paraphenylenediamine (PPDA) is a chemical with strong sensitizing properties used for dyeing of hair and textiles. Paraphenylenediamine can cross-react, resulting in allergy to other related compounds. The prevalence of PPDA sensitization varies widely. The objectives were to assess the frequency of positive patch test reactions to PPDA and related chemicals among patients with allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and to analyze them regarding their clinical pattern, occupation and cross-reactions. ⋯ Paraphenylenediamine was a major cause of contact allergy of diverse clinical picture more often affecting women, especially with atopy. Every fifth PPDA-allergic person exhibited hypersensitivity to other related compounds. Strong reactions to PPDA increased the risk of cross-reactions.