Depressive Symptoms and Control of Emotions among Polish Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder that substantially affects women's health. It is particularly diagnosed in young patients. Women with PCOS are burdened with excessive weight gain, overweight and obesity (74%) compared to a healthy female population. Excessive weight influences psychological state and emotional well-being, whereas in the meantime, psychological and behavioral dysfunction is increasingly being diagnosed among patients with PCOS. AIM: To assess depressive symptoms and emotional control among women with PCOS in relation to BMI. METHODS: The study was conducted among 671 self-reported PCOS women. The standardized Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to assess depressive disorders. Emotion control was assessed using the Courtauld Emotional Control Scale (CECS). RESULTS: Moderate and severe depressive symptoms were more common in PCOS women with abnormal BMI compared to normal BMI subjects (p < 0.01). In total, 27.1% of obese women had moderate depression and 28.8% had severe depression. Among overweight women, 19.9% suffered from moderate and 25% from severe depressive symptoms. Underweight women also reported moderate (25.6%) and severe (33.3%) depressive signs. There were no statistically significant differences between the body weight of the women studied and the CECS scores. CONCLUSIONS: Depressive symptoms are more common in women with PCOS and abnormal BMI than in women with PCOS and proper BMI. The severity of depressive symptoms increases with BMI, but underweight women with PCOS are also at risk of depressive disorders. The level of suppression of negative emotions is independent of BMI in women with PCOS.

Higher Serum-Soluble α-Klotho Level Does Not Predict Longer Survival after Stroke.

RESULTS: There were 5 recurrent strokes and 89 deaths during the 36-month follow-up. Even though no significant differences in OS and SFS between soluble α-Klotho level tertile groups were recorded, unexpectedly, OS and SFS were highest in patients with the lowest soluble α-Klotho concentrations. Moreover, the Cox proportional models adjusted for established risk factors, kidney function, and the severity of stroke revealed that each 100 pg/mL increase in soluble α-Klotho levels was associated with decreased OS (HR = 0.951 (0.908-0.995), p < 0.05) and SFS (HR = 0.949 (0.908-0.993), p < 0.05). In addition, the α-Klotho to iFGF23 index was predicting neither OS nor SFS. CONCLUSION: Soluble α-Klotho levels in serum were not related to the severity of neurological deficits and long-term outcomes in patients with IS. No neuroprotective effect of soluble α-Klotho levels in patients with IS was demonstrated.

Pentraxin 3 Levels in Young Women with and without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in relation to the Nutritional Status and Systemic Inflammation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess PTX3 levels in PCOS and non-PCOS women in relation to nutritional status and circulating markers of inflammation. METHODS: The study enrolled 99 stable body mass PCOS women (17 normal weight, 21 overweight, and 61 obese) and 61 non-PCOS women (24 normal weight, 19 overweight, and 18 obese). Body composition was assessed by bioimpedance, and plasma levels of pentraxin 3 (PTX3), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) were measured. Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was made. RESULTS: Plasma PTX3, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels and HOMA-IR were higher in PCOS than in non-PCOS group (p < 0.001). There were positive correlations between log10 (PTX3) and log10 (BMI), waist circumference and fat percentage, as well as log10 (HOMA-IR) and free androgen index but negative between log10 (estradiol) levels in PCOS. While in the non-PCOS group, the correlations between log10 (PTX3) and log10 (BMI), waist circumference and fat percentage, as well as log10 (HOMA-IR) were negative. The positive correlations between PTX3 and MPC-1 and log10 (IL-6) were shown in the PCOS group only. In multivariate regression analyses, variability in PTX3 levels in the PCOS group was proportional to log10 (BMI), waist circumference, and fat percentage, but inversely proportional to log10 (estradiol) levels. While in the non-PCOS group, PTX3 levels were inversely proportional to all anthropometric parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the decrease in PTX3 levels observed in obese is distorted in PCOS by microinflammation, and possibly, dysfunction of stroma adipose tissue and liver steatosis is reflected by enhanced insulin resistance.

Plasma sclerostin levels are associated with nutritional status and insulin resistance but not hormonal disturbances in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the circulating sclerostin levels with nutritional status, insulin resistance and hormonal disturbances in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The cross-sectional study involved 98 PCOS inpatients (20 normal weight, 17 overweight and 61 obese) with stable body mass. Body composition was assessed by bioimpedance method in addition to anthropometric measurements (body mass and height). Serum/plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin (with the calculation of homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance-HOMA-IR), estradiol, total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and sclerostin were measured. Free androgen index (FAI) and estradiol/testosterone index were calculated. RESULTS: Plasma sclerostin levels were significantly higher in obese [0.61 (interquartile range 0.53-0.77) ng/mL] than in overweight [0.53 (0.49-0.57) ng/mL] and normal weight [0.49 (0.42-0.54) ng/mL] groups. Plasma sclerostin levels were significantly higher in the subgroup with insulin resistance [0.65 (interquartile range 0.53-0.77) vs. 0.52 (0.46-0.58) ng/mL; p < 0.001], while similar concentrations were observed in subgroups with FAI below and above median. Plasma sclerostin levels variability were explained by BMI (r = 0.40), the percentage of body fat (r = 0.40) and HOMA-IR values (r = 0.34) in multivariable models. CONCLUSIONS: Circulating sclerostin levels in women with PCOS are related to nutritional status and insulin resistance, but not to sex hormone disturbances.

The occurrence of depressive symptoms in obese subjects starting treatment and not seeking treatment for obesity.

INTRODUCTION: The psychological profile of obese people deciding to start obesity treatment may be different from those not choosing to seek the therapy. Previous studies have shown a higher incidence of depression in obese than in normal weight people. However, data are lacking concerning the occurrence of depressive symptoms and their severity in obese subjects who do or do not decide to start treatment for obesity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and severity of depressive symptoms among obese people starting treatment and not seeking treatment for obesity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Enrolled subjects were 331 adults (241 women, 90 men), including 193 obese subjects starting treatment for obesity (46.8 ± 13.2 years, BMI 37.6 ± 5.5 kg/m2) and 138 obese volunteers never seeking treatment for obesity (44.3 ± 12.5 years, BMI 34.7 ± 4.3 kg/m2). Depression levels were determined using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). RESULTS: The level of depression was significantly higher among those starting treatment for obesity than those never seeking treatment for obesity (13.2 ± 9.2 vs. 9.5 ± 7.9 points; p < 0.001). This difference was statistically significant in women (14.4 ± 9.2 and 11.0 ± 8.2 points, respectively; p < 0.01), but not in men (7.2 ± 6.4 and 7.3 ± 7.1 points, respectively; p = 0.95). There were more women with moderate/severe depressive symptoms in the group starting treatment than in the group not seeking treatment for obesity (44.7 and 24.4%, respectively). No such difference was observed in men. CONCLUSIONS: Obese subjects, especially women, with depressive symptoms are more likely to start treatment for obesity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, case-control analytic study.

Pentraxin 3 as a marker of endothelial dysfunction in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

One of the consequences of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an increased risk of early development of cardiovascular diseases. Pentraxin-3 (PTX-3) is a new potential marker of endothelial dysfunction. The aim of the study was to assess PTX3 and other markers of endothelial dysfunction in PCOS women. The study enrolled 99 stable body mass PCOS women (17 normal weight, 21 overweight and 61 obese). Anthropometric measurements and serum/plasma levels of glucose, insulin, lipids, estradiol, testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, 17-OH progesterone, free androgen index, pentraxin-3 (PTX3), soluble intercellular (sICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1), endothelin-1 and total nitric oxide metabolites (tNO) concentrations were assessed. Groups were divided into tercile-subgroups according to PTX3 serum levels. Serum PTX3 tercile-subgroups significantly differed in respect to tNO, endothelin-1 and sVCAM-1, but not sICAM-1. The levels of tNO, endothelin-1 and sVCAM-1 were significantly decreased in the subgroup with the lowest PTX3 levels compared to both middle (tNO and endothelin 1) and upper tercile subgroups (all of them). There were significant positive correlations between log10(PTX3) and log10(tNO) (r = 0.34, p < .001), log10(endothelin-1) (r = 0.41, p < .001) as well as sVCAM-1 levels (r = 0.22, p < .05). Circulating PTX-3 levels seem to be a marker of endothelial dysfunction in PCOS women.

Evaluation of metformin therapy using controlled attenuation parameter and transient elastography in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is among the most common causes of liver disease worldwide. There is growing evidence on pathogenesis and pathophysiology of NAFLD. However, there is still no universally accepted pharmacotherapy protocol. METHODS: The study was conducted on 42 patients with NAFLD. They were randomized to dietary treatment alone (n = 21) or to diet and metformin therapy (n = 21). Liver ultrasonography, controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), liver stiffness (LS), complete blood count, anthropometric and biochemical parameters were obtained before treatment (baseline), and after 3 and 5 months of the therapy. RESULTS: Patients treated with diet and metformin exhibited significantly decreased CAP values at 3 and 5 months of the therapy compared to baseline (319 dB/m vs. 285 dB/m; p < 0.05; 319 dB/m vs. 295 dB/m; p < 0.05 respectively). Five months of diet and the metformin therapy resulted in significant reduction of LS value (6.2 kPa vs. 5.2 kPa; p < 0.05), while patients treated with diet alone had no significant changes in liver CAP and LS measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Metformin therapy combined with dietary treatment seems to be effective for the reduction of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. However, considering limitations of the study and inconsistent results of previous investigations in this area, there is a need for further research on metformin efficacy in this group of patients.

Relationship between plasma levels of sclerostin, calcium-phosphate disturbances, established markers of bone turnover, and inflammation in haemodialysis patients.

PURPOSE: Data concerning the relation between increased levels of circulating sclerostin (a physiological inhibitor of bone formation) and bone turnover in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate associations between plasma sclerostin levels and calcium-phosphate disturbances, markers of bone turnover as well as inflammation in haemodialysis (HD) patients. METHODS: In plasma samples obtained in 150 stable HD patients (92 men) aged 40-70 years, levels of sclerostin, fibroblast growth factor (cFGF23), osteocalcin, the N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen, C-terminal telopeptide of the alpha chain of type I collagen (ß-CTx), and inflammatory markers (IL-6 and TNF-α) in addition to routine parameters (calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone-iPTH, 25-OH-D, alkaline phosphatase) were measured. RESULTS: Plasma sclerostin concentrations were significantly higher in HD men than women (2.61 vs. 1.88 ng/mL, p < 0.01). Patients with sclerostin levels above median were characterized by lower iPTH and IL-6, but higher cFGF23 and TNF-α (significantly only in men) concentrations. Plasma sclerostin concentration positively correlated with serum 25-OH-D (τ = 0.204), phosphorus (τ = 0.1482), and TNF-α (τ = 0.183) and inversely with iPTH (τ = - 0.255), alkaline phosphatase (τ = - 0.203), IL-6 (τ =- 0.201), and ß-CTx (τ = - 0.099) levels. In multivariate regression analysis, variability of sclerostin levels was explained by sex and 25-OH-D and phosphorus levels. CONCLUSIONS: Increased circulating sclerostin levels seem to reflect slower bone turnover in HD patients. Low levels of sclerostin are associated with vitamin D deficiency and good phosphates alignment.

Novel method of noninvasive ventilation supported therapeutic lavage in pulmonary alveolar proteinosis proves to relieve dyspnea, normalize pulmonary function test results and recover exercise capacity: a short communication.

Whole lung lavage (WLL) under general anesthesia with a double-lumen endobronchial intubation has remained standard treatment option for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) for over fifty years now. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) as an innovative alternative, which enables safe and effective treatment. NIV support enabled cost-effective lavage of the most affected segments and resulted in restoration and long-term maintenance of exercise capacity and diffusion, without WLL related hypoxaemia, volume overload, intubation, or mechanical ventilation related complications. The study presents all details of performed procedure, including anesthesia, NIV technique and bronchoscopy, therefore this may be easily implemented into clinical practice at other centers conducting PAP treatment. We assume that presented technique of therapeutic lung lavage (TLL) with NIV support may be considered a novel PAP treatment method, however, target population who will benefit the most from such therapy modification must be assessed in large scale prospective trials.

Nutrient intake assessed with Diet History Questionnaire II, in relation to long-term calcium-phosphate control in hemodialysis patients with end-stage renal failure.

BACKGROUND: Diet is a key factor that determines proper alignment of calcium-phosphate and nutritional status among hemodialysis (HD) patients. OBJECTIVES: To assess the nutrient intake in relation to long-term calcium-phosphate control in HD patients with end-stage renal failure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 107 patients (66 men, 41 women) from 10 dialysis centers in the Upper Silesia region of Poland. To analyze the diet composition during the previous year, a portion-sized version of the Diet History Questionnaire II (DHQ-II) from National Institutes of Health was used. The nutrient intake was assessed in accordance with the most complex recommendations on HD patients' nutrition - K/DOQI Clinical Practice Guidelines for nutrition in chronic renal failure. Poor long-term alignment of calcium-phosphate homeostasis was defined as the presence of over 50% monthly phosphorus concentrations exceeding 5 mg/dL, and for calcium 10.2 mg/dL, during the last 6-month period. RESULTS: Lower than recommended protein intake was found in 63% of HD patients (average consumption: 0.9 ±0.5 g/kg/day). Most of the patients consumed too much fat (33.5 ±6.7% of daily energy intake) and sodium (2912 ±1542 mg/day). In 42% of patients, dietary phosphorus intake was consistent with the recommendations (13.3 ±7.5 mg/kg/day). Protein intake over 1.2 g/kg/day resulted in an increased consumption of phosphorous, but did not increase the risk of misalignment of phosphorus concentrations (OR = 1.15 [0.40-3.27]); p = 0.8). Poor control of serum phosphorus concentrations was observed in 69% of patients (they were on average 8 years younger). The average intake of protein and phosphate in the groups with good or not satisfactory serum phosphorus alignment did not differ significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Adequate control of protein intake is not sufficient to obtain phosphorus alignment, especially in younger HD patients.

N-Terminal Prohormone of Brain Natriuretic Peptide but not C-Terminal Pre-Pro Vasopressin (Copeptin) Level is Associated with the Response to Antihypertensive Therapy in Haemodialysis Patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Volume overload, frequently clinically asymptomatic is considered as a causative factor limiting the effectiveness of antihypertensive therapy in haemodialysis (HD) patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess plasma levels of N-terminal fragment of the prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and a C-terminal portion of the precursor of vasopressin (CT-proAVP, copeptin), surrogate markers of volume overload in HD patients in relation to the number of antihypertensive drugs used in the hypertension treatment. METHODS: One hundred and fifty adult HD patients (92 males) were enrolled into this study. Clinical data concerning blood pressure (BP) measurements prior haemodialysis session and pharmacotherapy were collected from all patients. In addition to routine laboratory parameters, plasma levels of NT-proBNP and CT-proAVP were measured, and daily sodium and water consumption were estimated with a portion-size food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: Among 145 (96.7%) hypertensive HD patients, 131 were receiving antihypertensive medication. Despite antihypertensive therapy, 31.0% had inadequate BP control. Plasma concentration of NT-proBNP was associated with systolic (R=0.19; p=0.02) but not diastolic BP values and with the number of received antihypertensive drugs (R=0.21; p=0.01). The highest NT-proBNP values were observed in patients receiving 3 or more antihypertensive drugs. In contrast, no significant correlation was found between plasma CT-proAVP concentrations and BP values as well as and the number of antihypertensive drugs. Receiver operator curve analysis showed that NT-proBNP values over 13,184 pg/mL predicted the use of at least 3 antihypertensive drugs in maximal doses in the therapy of hypertension, similar analyses performed for CT-proAVP showed much less specificity. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Increased levels of NT-proBNP seems to be a better biomarker of multidrug antihypertensive therapy requirement than CT-proAVP. 2. Whether estimation of NT-proBNP in these patients will be also better biomarker than copeptin in the prediction of cardiovascular complications related to hypertension needs further investigations.

The levels of adipokines in relation to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle in young, normal-weight women.

CONTEXT: The aim of this study was to assess the plasma leptin, adiponectin, resistin, visfatin/NAMPT, omentin-1, vaspin, apelin, TNF-α, IL-6 and RBP4 levels in relation to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle in young, healthy, normal-weight women. METHODS: The study involved 52 young, healthy, normal-weight women. Anthropometric parameters, body composition and levels of plasma leptin, adiponectin, resistin, visfatin/NAMPT, omentin-1, vaspin, apelin, TNF-α, IL-6 and RBP4 in addition to serum FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone, 17-OH progesterone, androgens, SHBG and insulin concentrations were measured during a morning in fasting state three times: between days 2-4, days 12-14 and days 24-26 of the menstrual cycle. RESULTS: Plasma adiponectin, omentin-1, resistin and visfatin/NAMPT, apelin, TNF-α, IL-6 and RBP4 concentrations were stable during the menstrual cycle, while leptin and vaspin levels were significantly higher in both the midcycle and the luteal phases than those in the follicular phase. Multivariate regression analyses revealed that changes in leptin and vaspin levels between the follicular and the luteal phase are strongly related to changes in total testosterone levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed stable levels of adipokines during the phases of the physiological menstrual cycle, except for leptin and vaspin, which showed increased levels in both the midcycle and the luteal phases. This effect was significantly associated with changes in the secretion of testosterone, 17-OH progesterone and insulin in the luteal phase.

Relationship between plasma levels of zonulin, bacterial lipopolysaccharides, D-lactate and markers of inflammation in haemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Increased permeability of the intestinal wall and intestinal dysbiosis may contribute to chronic systemic inflammation, one of the causes of accelerated atherosclerosis and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality burden in patients with chronic kidney disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between markers of intestinal permeability and inflammation in haemodialysis (HD) patients. METHODS: Plasma concentration of zonulin, haptoglobin, TNFα, IL6, D-lactates and bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) was assessed in blood samples obtained after overnight fast before midweek morning HD session in 150 stable, prevalent HD patients. Daily intake of energy and macronutrients was assessed on the basis of a food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: Serum hsCRP level was increased in over 70% of patients. Plasma levels of zonulin [11.6 (10.9-12.3) vs 6.8 (5.8-7.8) ng/mL], IL6 [6.2 (1.0-10.3) vs 1.3 (1.0-2.0) pg/mL] and TNFα [5.9 (2.9-11.8) vs 1.6 (1.3-1.8) pg/mL], but not LPS and D-lactates were significantly higher in HD than in healthy controls. D-lactates and LPS levels were weakly associated with IL6 (R = 0.175; p = 0.03, and R = 0.241; p = 0.003). There was a borderline correlation between plasma zonulin and serum hsCRP (R = 0.159; p = 0.07), but not with IL6, LPS and D-lactates. In multiple regression, both serum CRP and plasma IL6 variability were explained by LPS (ß = 0.143; p = 0.08 and ß = 0.171; p = 0.04, respectively), only. CONCLUSION: The weak association between plasma D-lactate, LPS and IL6 levels indicates that intestinal flora overgrowth or increased intestinal permeability contributes very slightly to the chronic inflammation development in HD patients.

Functional deficiency of vitamin K in hemodialysis patients in Upper Silesia in Poland.

PURPOSE: Functional vitamin K deficiency (both K1 and K2) is postulated to be one of the most relevant links between chronic kidney disease and vascular calcification in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Recommended dietary restrictions in HD patients superimposed on diversity of eating habits across the countries may affect the prevalence of functional vitamin K deficiency. The aim of this study was to determine the level of functional vitamin K deficiency and its relation to vitamin K1 intake in HD patients in Upper Silesia in Poland. METHODS: Protein-induced vitamin K absence or antagonist-II (PIVKA-II) and undercarboxylated matrix Gla protein (ucMGP) were assessed by ELISA in 153 stable, prevalent HD patients and 20 apparently healthy adults (to establish normal ranges for PIVKA-II and ucMGP). Daily phylloquinone intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: PIVKA-II and ucMGP levels were increased in 27.5 and 77.1 % of HD patients in comparison with the reference ranges in apparently healthy controls, respectively. In 45 % of cases, the increased PIVKA-II level was explained by insufficient phylloquinone intake for Polish population (recommended intake: >55 µg for women and >65 µg for men). Applying ROC analysis, we showed that vitamin K1 intake below 40.2 µg/day was associated with increased PIVKA-II levels. There was no correlation between vitamin K1 intake and plasma concentration of ucMGP, or between PIVKA-II and ucMGP. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Functional vitamin K1 deficiency is explained by low vitamin K1 intake in less than half of HD patients. (2) Undercarboxylated matrix Gla protein level is a poor surrogate for functional vitamin K1 deficiency.

Daily intake and serum concentration of menaquinone-4 (MK-4) in haemodialysis patients with chronic kidney disease.

OBJECTIVES: Decreased concentration of menaquinone-4 (MK-4) seems to be an important risk factor of vascular calcification in haemodialysis (HD) patients. Optimal dietary intake, as well as serum MK-4 reference range, in HD has not been determined, yet. The aim of the present study was to assess daily vitamin K1 and MK-4 intakes and their relation to serum MK-4 concentration in HD patients. DESIGN AND METHODS: Daily vitamin K1 and MK-4, micro- and macronutrients and energy intakes were assessed using 3-day food diary completed by patients and serum MK-4 concentration was measured by HPLC [limit of quantification (LOQ): 0.055 ng/mL] in 85 HD patients (51 males) and 22 apparently healthy subjects. RESULTS: Daily MK-4 intake was significantly lower (by 29%) among HD, while K1 consumption was similar in both groups. Daily MK-4 intake was associated with fat and protein consumption in HD (r=0.43, p<0.001 and r=0.33, p=0.004, respectively). In HD serum MK-4 concentration was more frequently below LOQ (in 41% HD and 5% controls, p<0.001) and in those HD with quantifiable values was lower than in the controls (by 42%). The correlations between MK-4 concentrations and both MK-4 and K1 daily intakes were weaker in HD (r=0.38 and r=0.30 respectively) than in the control group (r=0.47 and r=0.45, respectively). In multiple regression analysis the variability of serum MK-4 concentrations in HD patients was explained by its daily intake. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased serum MK-4 concentration in HD patients is caused by lower dietary MK-4 intake, mainly due to diminished meat consumption, and in addition, probably reduced K1 conversion.

[Hypertension in the course of primary aldosteronism during pregnancy]. / Nadcisnienie tetnicze w przebiegu pierwotnego hiperaldosteronizmu u kobiet w ciazy

Hypertension is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases during pregnancy. Primary hyperaldosteronism (PHA) is the most frequent endocrinological, secondary cause of hypertension, rarely diagnosed in pregnant women. In the available literature about 50 cases of PHA in pregnant women have been described. PHA is often a cause of resistant hypertension. PHA can cause life-threatening complications both for the pregnant woman and the fetus. Diagnosis of PHA in pregnancy is difficult due to the antagonistic effect of progesterone on aldosterone, physiological increase of aldosterone release during gestation and frequent normokalaemic clinical course. Typical pharmacological treatment of PHA is limited due to the anti­androgenic effect of spironolactone, lack of data concerning the safety of eplerenone and limited access to amiloride in Poland. Surgical treatment is a therapeutic option only in early pregnancy. This paper presents the current state of knowledge on diagnostic methods and treatment of PHA in pregnant women and a systematic review of cases described in the literature.

[Pheochromocytoma in pregnancy]. / Guz chromochlonny w ciazy.

Pheochromocytoma occurs with a frequency estimated at 2-7 per 100,000 pregnant women. Unrecognized, and thus untreated pheochromocytoma is associated with very high (40-50%) maternal and fetal mortality. Pheochromocytoma occurs sporadically or as a family trait. Its presence should be suspected in women with paroxysmal or established hypertension, especially before the 20th week of pregnancy, accompanied by headaches and palpitations, and excessive sweating, muscle tremors, vomiting, anxiety, vasomotor disturbances and blurred vision. The variety of clinical presentations and rarity are the cause of not including the disease in differential diagnosis of hypertension in pregnancy. Biochemical tests are essential in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma, and involving the assessment of methoxycatecholamine urinary excretion. The second step in the diagnostics is magnetic resonance imaging of adrenal glands. Adrenalectomy is the treatment of choice for pheochromocytoma with adrenal location, which depends on the timing of the tumor diagnosis. Conservative treatment for 10-14 days with pharmacological blockade of alpha-adrenergic receptors should precede the surgery. Early diagnosis and properly planned treatment of pheochromocytoma significantly reduces the risk to the mother and fetus.

Calcification of coronary arteries and abdominal aorta in relation to traditional and novel risk factors of atherosclerosis in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Process of accelerated atherosclerosis specific for uremia increases cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and may be influenced by the different structure of arteries. The study assesses the influence of traditional and novel risk factors on calcification of coronary arteries (CAC) and abdominal aorta (AAC) in hemodialysis patients (HD). METHODS: CAC and AAC were assessed by CT in 104 prevalent adult HD and 14 apparently healthy subjects with normal kidney function (control group). Mineral metabolism parameters, plasma levels of FGF-23, MGP, osteoprotegerin, osteopontin, fetuin-A, CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α were measured. RESULTS: CAC and AAC (calcification score ≥ 1) were found in 76 (73.1%) and 83 (79.8%) HD respectively, more frequent than in the control group. In 7 HD with AAC no CAC were detected. The frequency and severity of calcifications increased with age. Both CAC and AAC were more frequently detected in diabetics (OR = 17.37 and 13.00, respectively). CAC score was significantly greater in males. CAC and AAC scores were correlated significantly with pack-years of smoking and plasma osteoprotegrin levels. However the independent contribution of plasma osteoprotegerin levels was not confirmed in multiple regression analysis. Age (OR = 1.13) and hemodialysis vintage (OR = 1.14) were the independent risk factor favoring the occurrence of CAC; while age (OR = 1.20) was the only predictor of AAC occurrence in HD. CONCLUSIONS: 1. AAC precedes the occurrence of CAC in HD patients. 2. The exposition to uremic milieu and systemic chronic microinflammation has more deteriorative effect on the CAC than the AAC.

Factors that favor the occurrence of cough in patients treated with ramipril--a pharmacoepidemiological study.

BACKGROUND: Dry cough is a common cause for the discontinuation of ramipril treatment. The aim of this pharmacoepidemiological study was to assess the incidence of ramipril-related cough among the Polish population and to characterize patients at risk of experiencing the adverse effect of cough during ramipril treatment. MATERIAL/METHODS: This was a prospective observational study involving 10,380 patients treated with ramipril for a period of no longer than 8 weeks, consisting of 3 visits: baseline, first follow-up (after 4-8 weeks) and second follow-up visit (after 4-8 weeks of cessation of ramipril, conducted only for evaluating coughing patients). RESULTS: The incidence of ramipril-related cough was 7.1%. Logistic regression analysis identified female sex (OR=1.35), cigarette smoking (OR=2.50), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR=1.70), asthma (OR=1.60) and previous history of tuberculosis (OR=6.20) to be significantly and independently associated with the onset of ramipril-related cough. Coughing subsided within a period of 2-20 days after ramipril was discontinued. In all patients reporting the appearance of cough within the first 5 days after therapy initiation, the adverse effect subsided after therapy discontinuation. If cough appeared within 6-10 days, it subsided after discontinuation in 81.6% of subjects. Cough persisted in 30.4% of those reporting later onset. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Female sex, cigarette smoking, COPD, asthma, and previous history of tuberculosis increase the risk of ramipril-related cough. 2. The later the cough occurs during treatment, the less often the drug is the causative agent and the cough and also less likely to disappear after discontinuation of ramipril.

Daily magnesium intake and hypermagnesemia in hemodialysis patients with chronic kidney disease.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate daily magnesium intake and the relation to its serum concentration in hemodialysis (HD) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). DESIGN: This is a prospective, open-label, cross-sectional clinical study analyzing daily magnesium intake based on nutritional questionnaire. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 101 HD patients with CKD were screened for hypermagnesemia. All patients with serum magnesium >1.5 mmol/L were asked to fill in the standard 3-day nutritional questionnaire. The control group consisted of twice as many randomly selected HD patients with serum magnesium concentration <1.5 mmol/L and 20 subjects with normal kidney function on usual diet. RESULTS: Mean (±standard deviation) serum magnesium concentration in HD patients was 1.32 ± 0.18 mmol/L. Hypermagnesemia >1.5 mmol/L was found in 17 (16.8%) patients. There was no one case of severe hypermagnesemia (>2.0 mmol/L). The daily intake of magnesium was higher by 31.7% in the group with serum magnesium >1.5 mmol/L. Hypermagnesemia was observed in patients ingesting >281 mg of magnesium daily. In univariate analysis, there was a strong positive correlation between magnesium intake and serum concentration in the whole group (r = 0.870, P < .001). No correlation between Kt/V or residual diuresis and serum magnesium concentration was found. CONCLUSIONS: Magnesium consumption is the most important determinant of serum magnesium concentration in HD patients with CKD. Magnesium-containing phosphate binders can be considered in the therapy of hyperphosphatemia in HD patients without hypermagnesemia.