The Clinical Outcome of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Coronary Artery Disease Patients with Regard to the Presence of Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction.

Background: Despite the use of advanced treatment techniques, coronary artery disease (CAD) still remains the main cause of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and heart failure. Participation in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs can lead to a number of beneficial effects, but some patients do not demonstrate the expected improvement. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of CR on changes in exercise capacity with regard to the presence of LV dysfunction. Methods: A group of 428 patients with CAD were consecutively admitted to an outpatient comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program comprising 24 exercise sessions of interval training on cycle ergometers, three times a week for 45 min, and a health education. The patients were compared in two subgroups, i.e., with LV systolic dysfunction (LVEF < 50%, n = 175) and LVEF ≥ 50% (n = 253). Results: In the LVEF < 50% group, the exercise capacity improved by 1 ± 0.78 MET (median 1.15 MET), and 0.86 ± 0.77 MET (median 1.08 MET) in the LVEF ≥ 50% group. Women with LVEF < 50% demonstrated a significant increase in exercise capacity by 1.2 MET, while those with LVEF ≥ 50% did not display any such increase. All men, regardless of LVEF, exhibited a similar improvement in exercise capacity greater than 1 MET. Conclusions: An outpatient eight-week cardiac rehabilitation program based on 45 min aerobic interval training sessions three times a week appears less effective for women with CAD and EF ≥ 50%. In this group, the proposed training intervention is insufficient in improving exercise capacity to an extent that could indicate a reduction in mortality risk.

Soluble Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor (suPAR) Is a Biomarker Associated with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in the Elderly, Specifically in Women.

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) may result in the development of heart failure, which is widespread among people of advanced age. The pathophysiology of LVH is complex and its biochemical pathways are not fully understood in this group. Elevated soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), a biomarker of immune activation, including fibrosis, reflects subclinical organ damage in systematic diseases. The present study assesses the clinical role of suPAR measurement in determination of LVH-associated cardiac disorders in the elderly. The studied population consisted of 238 individuals aged 76-91 years; of these, 139 (58%) were diagnosed with LVH. Serum biomarkers measurement (suPAR, troponin T, NT-proBNP and CRP) and echocardiography were performed in all subjects. The suPAR level was significantly higher in the LVH group (4.01 vs. 3.82 ng/mL, p = 0.033) and correlated with the parameters of cardiac diastolic function. Stepwise logistic regression found suPAR level (OR = 1.55, p = 0.016), BMI (OR = 1.17, p = 0.0003) and hypertension (OR = 2.42, p = 0.046) to be independently associated with LVH in women. In men, the strongest predictors of LVH were hypertension (OR = 7.52, p = 0.014) and BMI (OR = 1.42, p = 0.032). The observations indicate suPAR as a promising marker reflecting LVH, especially in women at advanced age, independent of age-associated cardiac remodeling.

Dietary Zinc Is Associated with Cardiac Function in the Older Adult Population.

The elderly is a group at particularly high cardiovascular risk. The coexistence of chronic diseases and use of multiple medications creates the need to look for non-pharmacological agents to improve cardiovascular health in that population. In view of reports on the potential role of zinc in enhancing pathways of myocardial tissue repair, the aim of this study was to evaluate the association between dietary zinc intake and cardiac structure and function in individuals of advanced age. The study group included 251 community-dwelling patients, with a median age of 80 years. Dieta 6.0 software was used for calculation of zinc consumption. Percentage of Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for zinc correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (r = 0.196, p < 0.05), left ventricular mass index (r = -0.137, p < 0.05) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (r = 0.153, p < 0.05), while zinc density did so with E/E' ratio (r = -0.127, p < 0.05). In a multiple stepwise regression analysis, the best determinants of LVEF were %RDA for zinc (p = 0.014; ß = 0.143), presence of coronary artery disease (p < 0.001; ß = -0.39) and age (p = 0.036; ß = -0.12). Furthermore, %RDA for zinc (p = 0.009; ß = 0.16), female sex (p = 0.005; ß = -0.171), beta-blocker use (p = 0.024; ß = -0.136), body mass index (p = 0.008; ß = 0.16) and heart rate (p = 0.0006; ß = -0.209) had an independent effect on TAPSE. In conclusion, in individuals of very advanced age, lower zinc intake is associated with poorer cardiac function. Therefore, increasing the recommended zinc intake in this group deserves consideration.

The Effect of Herbal Supplements on Blood Pressure: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Herbal supplements rich in phenolic compounds are evidenced to have a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, they are suggested to be included in diets for people with hypertension (HT). HT is a global health problem and is estimated to affect billions of people until the end of 2025. For this reason, every possible and effective solution preventing HT should be considered. The aim was to perform an updated meta-analysis and review of recently published studies to evaluate the effect of selected herbal supplements on blood pressure reduction. We searched the PubMed database with specified selection criteria, analysing the RCT studies from 2011 to 2021. A total of 31 studies were included in the analysis, and the meta-analysis was conducted on the data from 16 of them. The general effect size of all the supplements via placebo was d = 1.45, p < 0.05 for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and d = 0.31, p < 0.05 for diastolic blood pressure (DBP). The meta-analysis and review of the literature demonstrated that herbal supplements, such as resveratrol, cherry juice, beetroot juice, bergamot extracts, barberry, and pycnogenol, can be effective in blood pressure reduction and cardiovascular prevention, but attention should be paid to their appropriate dosage due to the possibility of side effects from the digestive system.

Serum testosterone level correlates with left ventricular hypertrophy in older women.

Introduction: Sex hormones may play an important role in age-related cardiac remodeling. However, their impact on cardiac structure and function in females of advanced age still remains unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between sex hormones level and echocardiographic parameters in older women with concomitant cardiovascular diseases. Materials and Methods: The study group included 52 community-dwelling women with mean age 79.5 ± 2.8 years, consecutive patients of an outpatient geriatric clinic. In all the subjects, a transthoracic echocardiogram was performed and serum testosterone, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, and cortisol levels were determined. Results: Testosterone level correlated positively with interventricular septum diastolic dimension (IVSd) (rS=0.293, p<0.05), left ventricular mass index (rS=0.285, p<0.05), E/E' ratio (rS=0.301, p<0.05), and negatively with E' (rS=-0.301, p<0.05). Estradiol level showed a positive correlation with the posterior wall dimension (rS=0.28, p<0.05). Besides, no significant correlations between clinical or echocardiographic parameters and other hormones were observed. Female subjects with diagnosed left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (n=34) were characterized by a significantly higher rate of hypertension (p=0.011), higher waist-to-height ratio (p=0.009), higher testosterone level (0.82 vs. 0.48 nmol/L, p=0.024), higher testosterone/estradiol ratio (16.4 vs. 9.9, p=0.021), and received more anti-hypertensive drugs (p=0.030). In a multiple stepwise logistic regression, the best determinants of LVH were the presence of hypertension (OR=6.51; 95% CI 1.62-26.1), and testosterone level (OR= 6.6; 95% CI 1.19-36.6). Conclusions: Higher serum testosterone levels may contribute to pathological cardiac remodeling, especially in hypertensive women. Estradiol, gonadotropins, DHEAS, and cortisol were not related to echocardiographic parameters.

An analysis of self-reported upper and lower limb injuries in Polish obstacle course races participants.

BACKGROUND: Obstacle course racing (OCR) is characterized by various distance, terrain, obstacles and weather conditions. We hypothesized that various specific factors could increase the probability of traumas, especially limb injuries. METHODS: An online questionnaire survey was conducted among OCR participants in Poland. The questionnaire consisted of 5 sets of questions: demographic parameters, participating in obstacle course races last year, characteristic of the trainings, participant-assessed race safety and injury characteristics. RESULTS: We analyzed the data collected from 153 obstacle course races participants: 95 men (62.1%) and 58 women (37.9%), mean age 30.3±7.4 years. Forty-two respondents (27.4%) reported race-related extremity injury. In univariable analysis the risk of limb injuries increased with longer time per week devoted to training sessions with obstacles (P=0.025) and participating in higher number of obstacle course races last year (P=0.006). Furthermore, training in groups during preparation was associated with a higher risk of limb trauma (P=0.015). Moreover, people doing more running interval sessions per week (P=0.0343) and spending more time on interval training sessions per week - both run (P=0.0098) and other than run (P=0.0063) are more prone to suffer limb injuries in OCR. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of limb injuries in OCR is elevated and it is desirable to be reduced by establishment and elimination above mentioned risk factors. Further researches are needed for deepening the knowledge of injuries in OCR.

Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor in one-year prediction of major adverse cardiac events in patients after first myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

INTRODUCTION: Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) level reflects the general condition of the organism and was proved to give independent information in risk stratification of patients. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of suPAR in the prediction of adverse cardiac events in patients with first myocardial infarction (MI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Additionally, the diagnostic power of suPAR was assessed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and thirty-nine of 150 consecutive patients were included in the study. Serum suPAR level (ELISA, Virogates) as well as C-reactive protein (on admission and at discharge) and maximum troponin T (assessed from successive 6-hour periods of blood collection) were measured. In the 1-year follow-up study the following major adverse cardiac events were observed: myocardial infarction, revascularization, stroke and death. RESULTS: Multi-variable analysis revealed prognostic usefulness only for suPAR and glomerular filtration rate: p < 0.0001 and p = 0.018; OR = 2.59 and OR = 0.98 respectively, with area under the curve in receiver operating characteristic analysis for both parameters simultaneously 0.89 (p < 0.0001). There was no correlation between suPAR level and the left ventricular dysfunction parameters or the MI type. CONCLUSIONS: Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor level appears to be an independent useful biomarker for the prediction of major adverse cardiac events early after first myocardial infarction. The biomarker's level seems to have more prognostic than diagnostic power.

Clinical and prognostic usefulness of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor in hemodialysis patients.

PURPOSE: Considering its prognostic usefulness and the relationship with chronic kidney disease, we analyzed the clinical utility of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment. We focused on the association between suPAR levels and clinical outcomes, especially those related to cardiovascular events and mortality as well as the effect of hemodialysis on the protein levels. METHODS: We enrolled 64 patients. Blood samples for laboratory tests were collected before and after the midweek hemodialysis. The concentration of suPAR was assessed using suPARNostic ELISA, ViroGates. RESULTS: Spearman rank analyses showed a positive association between suPAR and creatinine, cystatin C, galectin 3, N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide and troponin T (p < 0.05). In ROC analysis, the suPAR concentration equal to 11.5 ng/mL was established to be the cutoff value for the prediction of mortality in the analyzed patients. Simultaneous analysis of creatinine and suPAR increased the predictive value of the latter-the area under curve increased to 0.84 (95% CI 0.70-0.94, p < 0.0001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that increase in the suPAR level was associated with the increase in odds ratio for death by 1.3 (95% CI 1.1-1.6, χ2 = 8.2, p = 0.004). In multivariable analysis, the prediction power of suPAR appeared to be stronger after including creatinine (p = 0.0005). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated suPAR levels provide independent information on mortality risk in patients undergoing hemodialysis. The protein appears not to cross the dialysis membrane; thus, blood collection before the second hemodialysis session seems to give reliable information on the suPAR level for clinical interpretation.

Unilateral progressive muscular atrophy with fast symptoms progression.

Progressive muscular atrophy (PMA), or the lower motor neuron disease, is a sporadic disorder characterized by onset in adulthood, pure lower motor neuron involvement and relatively benign course. Muscle atrophy and weakness may be symmetrical or asymmetrical, but they are always bilateral. We present a male patient with exclusively left-side flaccid paresis due to lower motor neuron disease without electromyographic evidence of neurogenic lesion of contralateral muscles and with no signs of corticospinal tracts involvement. The rapid disease progression was typical of the generalized phenotype of PMA and it suggested the relation to the aggressive course of classical ALS.

The association between galectin-3 and clinical parameters in patients with first acute myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary angioplasty.

BACKGROUND: Galectin-3, a biomarker associated with fibrosis and inflammation, has been implicated in development and progression of heart failure (HF) and predicts increased mortality and morbidity in this condition. HF frequently develops after myocardial infarction (MI), contributing to worse outcome. The aim of this study is to assess the association between galectin-3 levels and various clinical parameters in acute phase of first MI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) in patients without prior HF. METHODS: We included 145 consecutive patients with first acute MI treated with pPCI with stent implantation. Exclusion criteria were: prior HF, severe valvular diseases, coexisting cancers, connective tissue diseases and cirrhosis. Serum galectin-3 concentration was measured within 3-5 days after onset of acute MI. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients with the highest galectin-3 levels (4th quartile, > 16 ng/mL) were compared to 109 subjects with a biomarker concentration ≤ 16 ng/mL. Elevated galectin-3 levels were more often observed in females, the elderly, subjects with coexisting diabetes, renaldysfunction and permanent atrial fi brillation (AF). Galectin-3 correlated with N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (r = 0.27, p < 0.001) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (r = 0.20, p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that only new-onset AF and diuretics treatment during hospitalization were independently associated with galectin-3 levels > 16 ng/mL. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated galectin-3 levels were associated with a higher rate of new-onset AF and diuretics treatment during hospitalization in patients with first MI treated with pPCI without prior HF.

The association between galectin-3 and occurrence of reinfarction early after first myocardial infarction treated invasively.

CONTEXT: Galectin-3, as a biomarker of inflammation and fibrosis, has been reported to be associated with coronary artery disease. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess the relationship between galectin-3 levels and the occurrence of reinfarction early after myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: The study included 145 consecutive patients with first MI treated invasively. Serum galectin-3 was measured using VIDAS (bioMérieux, Marcy-l'Etoile, France). RESULTS: The independent predictors of reinfarction in our group were as follows: female gender, elevated hs-C-reactive protein and galectin-3 levels (measured both at discharge). CONCLUSIONS: Galectin-3 might be an additional useful biomarker in prediction for reinfarction early after first MI.

[Vascular complications in patients with metabolic syndrome]. / Powiklania naczyniowe u chorych na zespól metaboliczny.

UNLABELLED: All risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MS) are responsible for endothelial dysfunction what accelerate the development of atherosclerosis. It causes increased cardiovascular risk and development of cardiovascular complications in these subjects. The aim of the study was to assess the presence of vascular complications in subjects with MS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprised of 108 patients with metabolic syndrome (36 males and 72 females), aged 46-67 (57+/-8.5) years. MS was diagnosed according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria from 2005. Ischaemic heart disease was diagnosed according to the coronarography or patient care documentation. The assessment of nephrological complications was conducted with use of glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated by using the simplified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study (MDRD) equation. The occurrence of brain strokes and diabetic foot was estimated basing on medical history and documentation. Vascular complications in the bottom of the eye were assessed with ophtalmoscopic examination and fluorescein angiography. RESULTS: The frequency of vascular complications in subjects with MS was: vascular complications in the bottom of the eye - 72.7% (symptoms of vascular angiopathy without retinopathy - 41.2%, retinopathy - 31.5%), ischaemic heart disease - 54.9%, eGFR < 90 m/min. - 38.9%, diabetic foot - 5.55%. brain stroke - 3.7%. Ischaemic heart disease was present in all subjects with MS qualified to the second and higher class of retinopathy. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with MS, ischaemic heart disease was the most common macroangiopathic complication, with increasing in the frequency together with retinopathy intensification. Changes in the bottom of the eye were the most common microangiopathic complications. Early identification and treatment of metabolic syndrome may have important value in prophylaxis and delay of vascular complications.

[Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 level in patients with metabolic syndrome qualified for cardiac rehabilitation]. / Ocena stezenia tkankowego inhibitora metaloproteinaz u chorych na zespól metaboliczny zakwalifikowanych do rehabilitacji kardiologicznej.

UNLABELLED: Each year in Poland, the number of patients treated by PCI and CABG increases. Many of them have metabolic syndrome. After these procedures patients are qualified for cardiac rehabilitation. It is preceded by risk stratification for cardiac events. Metalloproteinases belong to the enzymes responsible for destabilization of atheroma plaques. The activity of metalloproteinases is tightly regulated by their inhibitors. The aim of the study was to estimate plasma tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) level in patients with metabolic syndrome qualified for cardiac rehabilitation after PCI procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprised of 50 subjects with metabolic syndrome (26 males, 24 females) aged 18-65 (mean 50.9+/-11.8) years, qualified for cardiac rehabilitation after PCI procedures and 25 healthy participants (13 males, 12 females) aged 21-55 (mean 50.2+/-12.8) years. The estimation of plasma TIMP-1 level was determined with use of R&D Systems kit. RESULTS: Plasma level of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 in subjects with metabolic syndrome was 119.1+/-15.3 ng/ml and it was significantly lower than in group of healthy participants (188.5+/-14.7 ng/ml (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Decreased plasma level of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 in subjects with metabolic syndrome qualified for cardiac rehabilitation indicates disturbances of metalloproteinases activity control which take part in destabilization of atheroma plaque. In cardiac rehabilitation of subjects with metabolic syndrome we should pay attention to the type, time and intensity of exercise, because of increased risk of cardiovascular events.

Statin therapy in the elderly: a review.

Cardiovascular morbidity is the leading cause of mortality in the developed nations. Elevated serum cholesterol is a major risk factor for ischemic heart disease, one of the common cardiovascular morbidity in older adults, statins have been shown to be effective in reducing serum cholesterol and improving outcomes. Hypercholesterolemia is common in older adults and is one of the major modifiable risk factors. Yet, these patients have often been excluded from major clinical trials of statins and evidence suggests of their underuse. Data from recent clinical trials of statins indicate that the elderly patients with the highest cardiovascular risk are likely to derive the most benefits from cholesterol lowering. With the aging of the population, the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular morbidity is likely to increase. In this review we evaluate the evidence for the use of statins in older adults.

Left ventricular dysfunction and NT-proBNP levels in patients with one-vessel disease after first ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary coronary angioplasty.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases continue to be the main cause of death in the general population. Despite the fact that primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) improves prognosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), heart failure can still develop in some of these subjects. Measurement of natriuretic peptide levels has been shown to be useful in the detection of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and the risk stratification of patients with AMI. AIM: To evaluate the role of NT-proBNP in the identification of patients with early systolic LV dysfunction after first AMI with one--vessel disease successfully treated with primary PCI. METHODS: 161 consecutive patients with first ST-elevation AMI treated with primary PCI with stent implantation (occlusion in infarct-related artery was the patient's only lesion) were included. Measurement of NT-proBNP level and echocardiography were performed on the 4-5th day of AMI. RESULTS: In 53 (33%) patients LV dysfunction (defined as EF < 55%) was detected. The remaining 108 (67%) patients had normal LV systolic function. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that NT-proBNP level > 463.4 pg/ml (median level) was the strongest predictor of EF < 55%. A strong negative correlation between EF and NT-proBNP concentration measured on the 4-5th day of AMI was observed (r = -0.54), which increased with decreasing EF value. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated levels of NT-proBNP are the strongest predictor of early LV dysfunction in low-risk patients after first AMI with one-vessel disease treated with primary PCI with complete coronary revascularisation.

N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in the elderly with myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: The myocardial infarction (MI) results in the change of the levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in blood. In addition, attention is paid to the dependence of NT-proBNP levels on the patients' age. However, the behavior of natriuretic peptide levels has not been recognized well enough in the elderly with MI treated with invasive methods. HYPOTHESIS: The aim of the study was to estimate the effect of age on NT-proBNP levels in patients with first MI, and treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with complete coronary revascularization. METHODS: One hundred and sixty-one consecutive patients with first ST-elevation MI, and treated with primary PCI with stent implantation (occlusion in infarct-related artery was the patient's only lession) were included. Determination of NT-proBNP level and echocardiography were performed on the 4th-5th day of MI. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients (23%) aged>or=65 y were considered as a study group. The NT-proBNP levels were nearly 4-fold higher in older patients than in younger patients. Only systolic and diastolic dysfunction, mitral regurgitation, troponin T levels, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were independent risk factors of the occurrence of elevated NT-proBNP concentration above median. CONCLUSIONS: The patients' age was not a factor independently affecting the increase of NT-proBNP level above the median in patients with first MI and treated successfully with primary PCI. Independently associated elevated levels of NT-proBNP were as follows: presence of diastolic dysfunction, mitral regurgitation, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, troponin T concentration, and GFR.

Multifocal motor neuropathy with conduction block with sensory fibre involvement in a diabetic patient. Case report.

Multifocal motor neuropathy with conduction block (MMNcb) is a relatively rare disease characterized clinically by asymmetric limb weakness with spared sensation and electrophysiologically by persistent focal motor conduction block. We present the case of a 40-year-old male patient with six-year history of progressive, asymmetric weakness of upper and lower extremities without sensory symptoms. Electroneurography revealed definite or probable motor conduction block in several nerves. However, features of axonal lesion of sensory fibres were also found. Laboratory studies were unremarkable apart from an abnormal glucose tolerance test, and type 2 diabetes was diagnosed. In the presented case the differential diagnosis should take into consideration MMNcb with coexisting diabetic sensory polyneuropathy and multifocal acquired demyelinating sensory and motor neuropathy (MADSAM).

The relationship between early recanalization and serum NT-proBNP levels in patients with a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary coronary angioplasty.

OBJECTIVE: Primary coronary angioplasty (PCI) performed in the first hours after the onset of chest pain plays an important role in the prevention of death and heart failure after acute myocardial infarction (MI). Levels of circulating natriuretic peptides (BNP and NT-proBNP) reflect the severity of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. The blood concentration of these peptides is increased in patients with MI. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether early PCI (< or = 3 hours) after onset of chest pain modulates NT-proBNP levels in patients with first ST-elevation acute MI. METHODS AND RESULTS: Serum NT-proBNP levels were measured on hospital admission and 4 to 5 days post MI. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed on the 4th day after MI. We included 111 consecutive patients with first ST-elevation acute MI treated with PCI with stent implantation. In 55 patients (49.5%) PCI was performed within 3 hours after the onset of symptoms (the study group). Multivariate analysis revealed that only the time from the onset of chest pain to PCI and EF/WMI were independently associated with serum NT-proBNP > 105 pg/ml on admission. Only EF/WMI and evolution of non-Q myocardial infarction correlated with an NT-proBNP level > 388.5 pg/ml on discharge. CONCLUSIONS: NT-proBNP concentration measured both on admission and 4 to 5 days after acute MI independently correlates with echocardiographic parameters of LV systolic function (EF and WMSI). One hour delay in PCI raises the risk of NT-proBNP level elevation on admission by 30%.

[Acquired peripheral neuropathies associated with monoclonal gammopathy]. / Nabyte neuropatie obwodowe w przebiegu gammapatii monoklonalnych.

Monoclonal gammopathy is responsible for about 10% of acquired peripheral neuropathies of unknown origin. Monoclonal gammopathy is the result of uncontrolled proliferation of a single clone of plasma cells producing the first class of immunoglobulin (M-protein). The routine diagnostic process of peripheral neuropathy requires electrophysiological studies and several laboratory tests, including the immunoelectrophoresis or immunofixation of serum proteins. Monoclonal gammopathies develop in malignancy, immunological disorders, chronic infections and as so-called "benign form" or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Lymphoproliferative malignancy may develop in MGUS after many years of disease. Patients with MGUS-associated neuropathy should be carefully evaluated, and if malignancy is not found the progress of the disease should be monitored. We present four patients with peripheral neuropathy associated with monoclonal gammopathy. These cases represent different forms of this type of neuropathy and well illustrate the necessity of looking for monoclonal gammopathies in peripheral neuropathy.