Patients with diabetes mellitus have better lipid profile results compared to the controls - a retrospective study on a group of patients hospitalized due to pulmonary embolism.

Background: Pulmonary embolism is a clinical manifestation of venous thromboembolism (VTE), also comprising deep vein thrombosis. It is considered to be a consequence of environmental and genetic factors. The number of predisposing risk factors is high. Some authors view VTE as a part of the cardiovascular disease continuum and suggest that cardiovascular disease risk factors such as the metabolic syndrome or diabetes mellitus may predispose to VTE. Aim: The analysis of patients hospitalized in the department of cardiology due to pulmonary embolism and a multifactorial comparison of 2 groups of patients i.e. with and without diabetes mellitus. Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 11435 patient medical records from a 7-year period was performed. Patients with confirmed pulmonary embolism were enrolled for further evaluation. Sixty seven patients (36 women and 31 men), aged 70.3±13.3 (age range: 30- 93) were divided into two groups i.e. patients with and without diabetes. The statistical analysis of the obtained results was performed using SPSS 21 Software. Results: Statistically significantly higher total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol concentrations were observed in patients without diagnosed diabetes. Similar significant differences were not observed for other cardiovascular risk factors except for hypertension and obesity which was more frequent in diabetic patients. Conclusions: In patients with pulmonary embolism the prevalence of diabetes was related to lower total, LDL and HDL cholesterol concentrations. The differences between the groups may be explained by more intensive medical surveillance in patients with previously diagnosed diabetes.

The impact of gender on the frequency of syncope provoking factors and prodromal signs in patients with vasovagal syncope.

Introduction: According to the ESC guidelines, syncope is a transient loss of consciousness caused by transient, general cerebral hypoperfusion, characterized by rapid onset, short duration and spontaneous recovery. Objectives: The aim of the study was a comparative analysis of syncope provoking factors and prodromal signs in patients with vasovagal syncope with consideration given to gender. Materials and Methods: We investigated 80 patients, aged 18-74 years with previously diagnosed vasovagal cause of syncope. Special attention was paid to the frequency of triggering factors and prodromal signs. Results: In the studied group the mean age at first syncope was significantly lower in women (23.2±10.7) as compared to men (30.7±17.4). The mean total number of syncopal and presyncopal episodes was significantly higher in women (13.3±11.0 vs. 7.8±6.6; 26.6±12.9 vs. 13.8±6.9). In the group of men syncopal episodes were more frequent after urination and defecation. The remaining circumstances related to syncope were more prevalent in women, but only the occurrence of a syncopal episode during walking achieved statistical significance. All the prodromal signs that were analysed occurred more frequently in the group of women compared to men. Statistical significance was achieved for the analysed signs such as generalized weakness, dyspnea, heart palpitations, cold sweats, feeling of cold or heat, visual disturbances, tinnitus, headache. Conclusions: Syncope provoking factors and prodromal signs occur more frequently in women.

[Natriuretic peptides. History of discovery, chemical structure, mechanism of action and the removal routes. Basis of diagnostic and therapeutic use]. / Peptydy natriuretyczne. Historia odkrycia, budowa chemiczna, mechanizm dzialania oraz metabolizm. Podstawy zastosowania diagnostycznego i leczniczego.

Natriuretic peptides (NP) are the group of proteins synthesized and secreted by the mammalian heart. All the NP are synthesized from prohormones and have 17-amino acid cyclic structures containing two cysteine residues linked by internal disulphide bond. They are characterized by a wide range of actions, mainly through their membrane receptors. The NP regulate the water and electrolyte balance, blood pressure through their diuretic, natriuretic, and relaxating the vascular smooth muscles effects. They also affect the endocrine system and the nervous system. The neurohormonal regulation of blood circulation results are mainly based on antagonism with renin--angiotensin--aldosterone system. The NP representatives are: atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), urodilatine and (DNP) Dendroaspis natriuretic peptide, not found in the human body. According to the guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology determination of NT-proBNP level have found a use in the diagnosis of acute and chronic heart failure, risk stratification in acute coronary syndromes and pulmonary embolism. There are reports found in the literature, that demonstrate the usefulness of NT-proBNP determination in valvular, atrial fibrillation, and syncopes. Recombinant human ANP--Carperitid and BNP--Nesiritid, have already found a use in the adjunctive therapy of dyspnea in acute heart failure.

[Denture stomatitis - definition, etiology, classification and treatment]. / Stomatopatie protetyczne - definicja, etiologia, klasyfikacja oraz leczenie.

Denture stomatitis pertains to a number of pathological symptoms in the oral cavity caused by wearing acrylic dentures. Etiological factors include: mucosal trauma, fungal infection and accumulation of denture plaque. All of these factors appear to increase the ability of Candida albicans to colonize both the denture and oral mucosal surfaces. Antifungal treatment can eradicate C. albicans contamination and relieve stomatitis symptoms. Early diagnosis of the lesion is essential to assure rational therapy.