The use of Botulinum toxin in various urological conditions.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: The objective of this review paper is to comprehensively analyze and summarize the current understanding and clinical applications of Botulinum toxin in the field of urology. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: The materials and methods for this review paper involved an extensive literature search on the use of Botulinum toxin in urology. Multiple online databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were utilized to gather peer-reviewed articles, clinical trials, and relevant books published within the last decades. A few articles used in the review come from before 21 century because the information is essential to fully describe the topic. Studies were selected based on their relevance to the topic, with a focus on those that reported on the clinical applications of Botulinum toxin in urology - we use information from other review papers, clinical trials and research papers. To expand the database, we have looked through the literature not only in English but also other languages. Thanks to this method we were able to compare the results from different countries and scientific groups all over the world. Data extracted from these sources were then analyzed and synthesized to provide a comprehensive overview of the subject matter. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: In conclusion, Botulinum toxin has shown significant promise and utility in the field of urology. Its ability to effectively relax muscles has led to its application in a variety of urological conditions, including NDO, OAB, BPS/IC, DSD, BPH, CPP, and PE. The effectiveness and safety of Botulinum toxin have been demonstrated in numerous studies, providing a robust evidence base for its clinical use. However, further research is needed to optimize the administration methods, dosage, and treatment protocols. Additionally, more randomized controlled trials are required to establish the long-term safety and efficacy of Botulinum toxin, especially for conditions for which the current data is limited. Overall, Botulinum toxin represents a valuable tool in the urologist's armamentarium and is likely to continue to be an area of active research and development in the future.

Vitamin D Level in Patients with Consecutive Acute Coronary Syndrome Is Not Correlated with the Parameters of Platelet Activity.

Coronary artery disease continues to be the leading cause of death in developed countries. Elevated mean platelet volume (MPV) is associated with an increased incidence of myocardial infarction (MI) and MI-related mortality. Vitamin D concentrations affect the level and function of platelets, which are the crucial mediator of atherothrombosis and plaque rupture. The main aim of this study was to examine the relationship of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels with the platelet activity in patients with a history of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This prospective study recruited 268 patients with a history of MI who underwent coronary angiography due to the suspicion of another ACS. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was determined by electrochemiluminescence. Platelet activity was assessed using the MPV and platelet-large cell ratio (P-LCR) parameters. There was no significant difference in MPV and P-LCR values between patients diagnosed with subsequent MI and patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). A significantly lower level of 25(OH)D was demonstrated in patients who had another MI compared to those with CCS (p < 0.05). No significant correlation of 25(OH)D concentrations with platelet activity parameters values was found. The subgroup of patients with consecutive MI was characterized by significantly lower serum vitamin D levels, but this was not related to the analyzed parameters of platelet activity.

Small Differences in Vitamin D Levels between Male Cardiac Patients in Different Stages of Coronary Artery Disease.

Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of mortality in males older than 65 years of age. The prevalent vitamin D deficiency in the worldwide population may have multiple effects on the cardiovascular system. This study sought to determine the association between serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and the stage of coronary artery disease (CAD) in Polish male subjects. Additionally, subjects with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) were analyzed for potential differences in 25(OH)D levels in comparison with those diagnosed with stable CAD. The study was conducted prospectively in a group of 669 male patients subjected to coronarography examination. CAD stage was defined using the Coronary Artery Surgery Study Score. Patients without significant coronary lesions had significantly higher 25(OH)D levels than patients with single-, double-, or triple-vessel disease (median, 17 vs. 15 ng/mL; p < 0.01). Significantly lower levels of 25(OH)D were apparent when MI was identified as the cause of the then-current hospitalization in comparison with stable CAD, as well as in patients with a history of MI; all of these cases had lower levels of 25(OH)D in comparison with patients with no such history. Male patients with single-, double-, or triple-vessel CAD, acute coronary syndrome, or a history of MI presented lower serum 25(OH)D.

Serum Level of Vitamin D Is Associated with Severity of Coronary Atherosclerosis in Postmenopausal Women.

Background: Postmenopausal women experience rapid progression of coronary artery disease. Vitamin D deficiency appears to be a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to analyze the impact of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D) level on the severity of coronary atherosclerosis and its potential cardioprotective effect in postmenopausal women. Material and Methods: The study prospectively recruited 351 women in postmenopausal age undergoing coronary angiography. The severity of coronary atherosclerosis was assessed using the Coronary Artery Surgery Study Score (CASSS). A level of 25(OH)D was measured with electrochemiluminescence. Results: Women with more severe coronary atherosclerosis have significantly lower 25(OH)D serum level (p = 0.0001). Vitamin D (ß = -0.02; p = 0.016), hypertension (ß = 0.44; p = 0.025), age (ß = 0.02; p = 0.003), and history of MI (ß = 0.63; p < 0.0001), were shown as CASSS determinants. Age, hyperlipidemia, and history of MI were found to determine the level of vitamin D (all p < 0.05). Women with a three-vessel disease hospitalized due to ACS, with a history of MI, hyperlipidemia and hypertension presented the lowest vitamin D level. Conclusions: Our study showed that lower serum 25(OH)D in postmenopausal women is associated with more significant stenosis in the coronary arteries. Therefore, we suggest considering low vitamin D level as a potential risk factor for coronary artery disease.

Sociodemographic Factors Affecting Older People's Care Dependency in Their Daily Living Environment According to Care Dependency Scale (CDS).

The aim of the research was to determine the influence of sociodemographic factors on older people's care dependency in their living environment according to the Care Dependency Scale (CDS). Methods: The research was conducted in a group of 151 older people staying in their own homes. The methods applied in the research included a sociodemographic questionnaire and scales including the Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS), CDS, Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Lawton's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (I-ADL), Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Results: Gender had a significant impact on the level of care dependency. The surveyed females obtained the medium or high level of dependency more often than males (22.4% vs. 6.1%), and the low level of dependency was significantly more frequent among men than women (p = 0.006). Moreover, the age of the respondents determined their level of care dependency. The subjects with a medium or high level of care dependency were significantly older (p = 0.001). The subjects with a low level of care dependency were more likely to be married than people with a medium/high level (p < 0.001). The level of education had a significant impact on care dependency. A higher level of education correlated with a medium/high level of dependency (p = 0.003). Conclusions: The survey results confirmed that sociodemographic factors have a significant impact on the level of care dependency. When planning care in the home environment, special attention should be paid to older women, who are more likely to lose their independence than men. These women should be given additional support.