Przegla̧d lekarski
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
[The effect of vitamin-mineral supplementation on the level of MDA and activity of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in blood of matched maternal-cord pairs].
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of VIBOVITmama (Polfa Kutno S. A.) supplementation on lipid peroxidation (MDA) and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in blood of pregnant women and in umbilical cord blood of their children. It is shown, that MDA concentration in plasma increased during pregnancy in both studied groups; however in vitamin-mineral C supplemented women it was lower (p < 0.05) than in placebo (p < 0.005). ⋯ In erythrocytes of umbilical cord blood activity of GPx was higher in newborns of women taking vibovit (31.9 U/gHb) than in the control group (29.7 U/gHb), whereas activity of SOD was similar. Our result suggested that vitamin-mineral supplementation of pregnant women improved antioxidant status in mothers and their children. It seems that in order to prevent oxidative damage VIBOVITmama formula can be recommended as a supplement diet in pregnant women.
-
Contemporary treatment of cancer (intensive chemotherapy, radiotherapy, radical surgery, stem cell transplantation) and severe non-neoplastic blood diseases resulted in significant improvement of treatment results. Currently over 70% of children with cancer can be cured. However, at the same time number of severe complications, including life-threatening infections began to increase. ⋯ Our presentation will review currently available antifungal drugs and guidelines for treatment of specific fungal infections. The plan of antifungal treatment must include not only the species of fungal pathogen, but also the site and extent of infection, as well as patient status, including stage of primary disease, previous therapy and previous organ damage. Rational management would allow to choose appropriate antifungal drug, optimize dosage and duration of treatment and estimated costs, and above all to improve the chance to effectively control the life-threatening fungal infections.
-
Bacterial meningitis is still associated with high mortality rate and severe neurological sequels. The aim of the study was to assess correlation between concentration of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-8) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and patient condition described on the basis of Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), changes in the CSF (pleocytosis, protein and glucose level), mortality rate and occurrence of neurological complications. 42 patients with bacterial meningitis have been analysed. Control group consisted of 25 patients with viral meningitis and 23 patients without meningitis. ⋯ Our investigation confirm that TNF alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-8 are useful in differential diagnosis of neuroinfections. Assessment of patients with bacterial meningitis on the basis of GCS is helpful to establish prognosis, and CGS seems to correlate with the intensity of inflammation in the CSF. High concentration of TNF-alpha, and IL-1 beta in the CSF are associated with the risk of patient death during the course of bacterial meningitis, but IL-1 beta has been the better prognostic marker.
-
A large number of publications, primarily clinical studies, demonstrate the increasing use of procalcitonin (PCT) in modern clinical practice. PCT is a propeptide of calcitonin induced by a variety of stimuli including bacterial endotoxins, proinflammatory cytokines and triggering events such as trauma or cardiogenic shock. PCT is not or only slightly induced by viral infections, autoimmune disorders, neoplastic diseases and organs transplantation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of PCT as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in patients for early differentiation between bacterial and nonbacterial infection origin.
-
Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disorder of unknown aetiology. Pathologically it is characterized by the presence of non-caseating epithelioid-cell granulomas in the lungs, intrathoracic lymph nodes and other affected organs. The clinical course of sarcoidosis is widely variable, ranging from asymptomatic but abnormal findings in chest radiography to progressive multiorgan disease, which leads to fibrosis with organ failure and functional impairment. The aim of this article is to familiarize physicians with clinical features and treatment of this disease.