[Fibrinolysis parameters: plasmin-alpha2 antiplasmin complexes (PAP) and D-dimers in acute coronary syndromes without ST segment elevation]. / Parametry ukladu fibrynolizy: kompleksy plazmina-alpha2 antyplazmina oraz d-dimery w ostrych zespolach wiencowych bez uniesienia odcinka ST.

The aim of the paper was to determine concentrations of plasmin-alpha2 antiplasmin complexes (PAP) and D-dimers in blood of patients suffering from acute coronary syndromes without ST segment elevation. 78 patients, including 37 females and 41 males, aged 41-79 years (mean age 63.2) were included in the study. Concentrations of PAP were determined by immmunoenzymatic method using Enzygnost PAP micro kit and concentrations of D-dimers using Dade Berling Enzygnost D-Dimer micro kit. Statistically significant, higher concentrations of PAP and D-dimers, indicating increased fibrinolytic activity of blood, were observed in patients with acute coronary syndrome than in the control group. Significantly higher concentrations of D-dimers were found in the group of patients above the age of 50, when compared with younger patients. Lower D-dimers levels were observed in smokers. Gender, coexisting hypercholesterolaemia, arterial hypertension and diabetes had no impact on concentrations of PAP and D-dimers in blood of patients suffering from acute coronary syndrome without ST segment elevation.

[Cardiac tamponade as a cause for exploratory laparatomy - a case report]. / Tamponada serca jako przyczyna laparotomii zwiadowczej.

We present a case of 39-year-old male with symptomatic cardiac tamponade due to neoplastic disease. Because of abdominal symptoms the patient was diagnosed as having acute abdomen and underwent exploratory laparatomy which revealed enlarged liver and ascites. Correct diagnosis was established later by echocardiography and effective pericardiocentesis was performed. Diagnostic difficulties in patients with cardiac tamponade are discussed.

[E selectin of blood in patients with unstable angina pectoris]. / Selektyna E we krwi chorych na niestabilna dusznice bolesna.

Adhesive molecules released from cellular surface, detected in body blood and liquids were determined as soluble or circulatory. In immunologically inflammatory process resulting from endothelium damage E-selectin is undoubtedly involved. The aim of this investigation was the concentration assessment of soluble E-selectin in blood serum in patients suffering from unstable angina pectoris. The expanding atheramotous process may bring about vascular endothelium dysfunction. In blood serum with citrate of 94 angina pectoris patients one found statistically higher E-selectin concentration than in control group. On the other hand, no statistically relevant differences were found pertaining to coexistent risk factors such as: high level of cholesterol in blood serum, hypertension, diabetes mellitus or smoking. Increased concentration was not age related. E-selectin was determined in citrate blood serum by ELISA immunoenzymatic method using Bender Medsystems kit.

Antibodies to Chlamydia pneumoniae and haemostatic factors in acute coronary syndrome without ST segment elevation.

BACKGROUND: Various chronic infections, including Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae), are regarded as one of the possible factors which initiates, progresses and exacerbates atherosclerotic process. The relationship between C. pneumoniae infection and haemostatic factors which also may promote atherosclerosis, has not yet been established. AIM: To assess the relationship between C. pneumoniae-specific IgA and IgG serum antibodies and haemostatic factors in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: The study group consisted of 31 patients (17 males, mean age 62 years, and 14 females, mean age 60.6 years) with ACS and without ST segment elevation in whom antibodies to C. pneumoniae and such haemostatic factors as von Willebrand factor (vWF), thrombomodulin (TM), tissue plasmin activator (tPA), tPA inhibitor (PAI-1) and fibrinogen were measured. RESULTS: The proportion of patients with C. pneumoniae seropositivity was 35.4% in our study which is lower than that reported in literature. No significant relationship between vWF, TM, tPA and PAI-1 levels, and C. pneumoniae infection was found whereas a significant (p=0.05) relationship between C. pneumoniae-specific IgG antibodies and fibrinogen level was detected. CONCLUSIONS: Excluding fibrinogen, the presence of antibodies to C. pneumoniae is not associated with increased levels of haemostatic factors in patients with ACS without ST segment elevation.