Health significance of body position during sleep - literature review

Introduction: Sleep is a fundamental biological need of the body, crucial for maintaining health and body’s regeneration. The body position during sleep not only affects sleep quality and well-being but also influences various health aspects, such as obstructive sleep apnea, back pain or gastroesophageal reflux. Aim of the study: The aim of our study is to summarize the impact of body position during sleep on human health. We paid attention to the relationship between sleep position and aspects like: sleep quality, obstructive sleep apnea, back pain and gastroesophageal reflux. State of knowledge: The body position during sleep is crucial for maintaining mental and physical health. It affects sleep quality as well as health aspects such as: obstructive sleep apnea, back pain or gastroesophageal reflux disease. In the case of sleep quality, the most beneficial position is on the right side. The supine position is associated with worsened obstructive sleep apnea, while on the side - with reducing the frequency of symptoms. Neck pain is connected with an asymmetrical side and an upright  head position, while lower back pain is associated with a supine position. The described position that reduces the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus, and thus reduces the symptoms of reflux disease, is on the left side and with an elevated head of the bed. Summary: Sleep position is significant for many aspects of human health. Besides affecting sleep quality and well-being, it also has an impact on conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea, back pain and gastroesophageal reflux

Constipation - a patient's discomfort or a disturbing symptom - an overview of current knowledge

Introduction: Constipation is identified as too few bowel movements (≤2/week; severe constipation is ≤2 bowel movements per month) or hard stools (Bristol Formation Scale 1 and 2) that are passed with effort, often with a sensation of incomplete defecation .   Purpose of study: The aim of this review is to present key aspects of constipation, including epidemiology, diagnosis, management and clinical treatment directed to the individual patient and individual therapy.   Materials and methods: The review was based on the available literature in the PubMed database and the Google Scholar search engine using the key words: "constipation"; “constipation diagnosis”; “constipation treatment”.   Conclusions: Constipation is a common health problem that affects people of all ages. It is the most frequently reported ailment in gastroenterological practice. Not only are they a cause of patient discomfort, but they are often an alarming symptom of a larger pathology in the human body. Correct diagnosis often includes multi-aspect diagnostics, in which doctors of various specialties are involved, and correct treatment significantly improves the quality of life of patients

Turner’s Syndrome – genetic, diagnostic methods and clinical treatment

Introduction : Turner syndrome (TS) is one of the most common genetic disorders affecting approximatley 1 in 2,000-25000 live-born girls. TS is the result of complete oraz partial monosomy of the C chromosome. About half have monosomy X (45,X) and 5-10% have duplication (isochromosome) of the long arm of one X (46,X,i(Xq)). Most of the rest have mosaicism.(1)  The aim of the study: The purpose of this review paper is to present the observations regarding this disease, including epidemiology, diagnosis and detailed examination of the individual needs of the patient affected by the disease.  Matrials and methods: This review was based on available data collected in the PubMed database and Google Scholar web serach engine, using key words: Turner’s syndrome, diagnosis of Turner Syndrome, sex chromosome aneuploidies  Summary: The article draws attention to the complexity of Turner syndrome, the variety of symptoms and the progress in the diagnosis and therapy of this disease. Early diagnosis, specialist care and modern therapeutic methods have a positive impact on the quality of life of TS patients. Future studies of molecular mechanisms and therapeutic efficacy may improve the care of patients affected by this rare disease

Food Allergies - Trends and Challenges in Treatment and Diagnosis

Introduction: Food allergies are becoming an increasingly significant challenge for medicine, public health and patients' quality of life. Over the past few decades, there has been an observed increase in the number of cases of food allergies. This has led to heightened interest among scientists, doctors and specialists in various aspects related to the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. With the increasing precision of food allergy diagnosis, it is necessary to adjust the therapy to the individual needs of patients. Aim of the study: The aim of our study is to summarize the trends and challenges in treatment and diagnosis of food allergies. We focused on current diagnostic methods and treatment options, as well as new promising therapeutic approaches. State of knowledge: In molecular or component-resolved diagnostic tests (CRD), specific IgE antibodies are measured for individual food allergenic molecules. This presents an opportunity to improve specificity for selected foods. Studies have shown that the Basophil Activation Test (BAT) exhibits higher specificity than skin prick tests (SPT) and s-IgE tests, while maintaining its sensitivity. BAT relies on flow cytometry, where the expression of activation markers on the surface of basophils stimulated by an antigen is measured. Due to the existing limitations of certain tests, Oral Food Challenge (OFC) is still considered the gold standard for diagnosing IgE-mediated food allergies.Summary:Research shows that the foundation of diagnosis is the patient's medical history, including a properly collected interview, which should then guide the doctor towards appropriate tests. An elimination diet based on the clinical interview should be implemented until significant relief of allergy symptoms is achieved

Syphilis - a disease that still occurs

Introduction: Syphilis is a systemic disease caused by Treponema pallidum. Humans are the only hosts, and the incubation period lasts from 9-90 days. Currently it can be divided into congenital or acquired. This division is due to the moment in which the infection occurred. Congenital Syphilis- when the infection happens during the prenatal period, whereas acquired, when the infection took place in the period after birth. In early acquired syphilis the I and II stages can be distinguished as well as early latent syphilis. As defined, early latent syphilis includes an acquired infection up to 1 or 2 years back, depending on the guidelines. Late syphilis however includes: late latent syphilis, tertiary syphilis, late cardiovascular syphilis, late neurosyphilis. Congenital syphilis has also been divided into early (which includes the first 2 years) as well as late, which is characterised by signs of congenital syphilis, the so-called stigmata of congenital syphilis constituting the untreated infection during the fetal stage or the infancy stage.  Aim of the Study: The aim of our study is to divert the attention to one of the sexually transmitted diseases, which despite the downward trend at the end of the 20th century, rebounded at the beginning of the 21st century, especially among men who have sexual contact with other men. We paid attention to the symptoms accompanying this disease, also in the context of congenital syphilis, as well as the different methods of pharmacological treatment according to European guidelines.  Materials and methods: Reviewed literature available at scientific articles , Google Scholar using keywords: “syphilis – epidemiology”, “syphilis treatment”, “symptoms of syphilis”, as well as European guidelines regarding the treatment of syphilis

Physical activity of pregnant women - benefits for pregnancy

Introduction: Physical activity in pregnant women, as in the rest of the population, helps to maintain good health and prevent diseases. It has a positive effect on the body of the future mother, but is also a source of measurable benefits for the developing fetus. There are many methods of active spending time for pregnant women that are not only safe but also recommended to ensure the proper course of pregnancy.  Aim of the study: The aim of our study is to present current recommendations regarding activity among pregnant women and the benefits for the mother and fetus resulting from regular and moderate physical activity.  Material and methods: We reviewed scientific publications using the Google Scholar database, using keywords such as “physical activity during pregnancy” or “physical activity among pregnant women”.  Conclusions: Physical activity in pregnant women is not only safe but also recommended. According to the recommendations, pregnant women should exercise regularly in a way that is not too strenuous and does not pose a risk of injury. Regular, moderate activity during pregnancy brings a number of benefits for the pregnant woman and the fetus.&nbsp

Artificial intelligence as a coming revolution in medicine

Introduction: The development of medicine and information technology in recent decades has undoubtedly contributed to improving public health. Artificial intelligence is a technology that has great potential to revolutionize the functioning of health care around the world. Appropriate use of the development of technology can revolutionize many areas of modern medicine, however, it should not be forgotten that this technology should be subjected to appropriate standardization and legal regulation. Objective: The purpose of this study is to review the available scientific literature in order to systematize the current knowledge on the use of artificial intelligence in the process of diagnosis and treatment. Ethical aspects related to the implementation of AI for use in health care are also analyzed. Results: Artificial intelligence uses deep machine learning algorithms. It is a technology that has been known for a long time, but recently the chances of its widespread use have increased significantly, although scientists still do not fully understand the operation of AI algorithms. Currently, there are attempts to use this technology in many medical fields such as cardiology, diagnostic imaging, gastroenterology, pathomorphology, ultrasound. Artificial intelligence can also be used to improve the functioning of patient service in health care. Summary: The development of artificial intelligence algorithms creates a huge opportunity to improve the quality of diagnostic and treatment processes. The current rapid development of the technology is revolutionizing many branches of medicine, improving treatment outcomes. However, the development of this technology requires the creation of an appropriate law governing AI in medicine

Methods of childbirth induction – a review of current knowledge

Introduction: Pregnancy lasts 40 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period, i. e. 280 days or 264 days from conception. It has been established that a child born between 37+0 and 41+6 weeks of gestation is a child born "on time". Unfortunately, in some cases it is necessary to terminate the pregnancy earlier, due to the condition of the pregnant woman, the baby or the approaching 42 weeks of pregnancy. Aim of the study: The aim of our study is to summarize available options for induction of childbirth. Particular attention was paid to available pharmacology and mechanical methods. The methods were compared in terms of effectiveness, possible complications and side effects. Materials and methods: A review of the current literature was made in the accessible PubMed and Google Scholar database, using the keywords: „birth induction”, „Cook’s catether”, „prostaglandin and oxitocine induction”, „amniotomy”, „membran stripping”. Conclusions: There are several ways to induce childbirth, which are used depending on current state of pregnacy. The availability of both pharmacotherapy and mechanical methods, allows the initiation of labor and termination of pregnancy by natural forces, in most cases avoiding the need to terminate the pregnancy by caesarean section

Prenatal testing - diagnostic possibilities in the 21st century with special emphasis on the diagnosis of genetic defects and heart defects

Introduction: Prenatal diagnosis is a branch of medicine that deals with the detection of possible genetic and developmental abnormalities at the fetal life stage. Due to the rapid development of technology in recent decades, diagnostic capabilities at the prenatal stage have also changed their face. Aim of the study: The aim of the study is to review the available scientific literature in order to systematize the current knowledge of prenatal diagnosis with particular emphasis on the diagnosis of genetic diseases and diagnosis of heart defects. Results: Prenatal diagnosis is divided into invasive and non-invasive diagnostics. Non-invasive diagnostics include ultrasound, maternal blood biochemical tests and NIPT tests. Invasive diagnostics include tests such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus biopsy. Prenatal tests provide information on the risk of genetic diseases such as trisomy 21, 13 and 18 chromosome. In addition, serious structural heart defects such as tetralogy of Fallot are likely to be detected during prenatal diagnosis. Prenatal testing can also detect fetal heart rhythm abnormalities, which makes it possible to start treatment at an early stage.  Modern ultrasound technology also allows 3D imaging, which can also provide valuable diagnostic information. Summary: Prenatal diagnosis is a highly developed field of medicine that combines knowledge from various specialties. Thanks to prenatal diagnosis, it is possible to detect various abnormalities at an early stage of fetal life, which enables early treatment

Operative vaginal deliveries – a relic of the past or a promising prospect?

Introduction: Growing development of obstetrics and gynecology was followed by a decrease in the frequency of operative vaginal deliveries. This occurrence has been observed over the years, coming hand in hand with an increasing popularity of caesarean sections. Operative vaginal deliveries include vacuum deliveries and forceps deliveries, which both may be an alternative to some cases of emergency caesarean sections.  Aim of the study: The aim of our study was to depict the most important aspects of operative vaginal deliveries, analyze their complications, and to try to compare the consequences of mentioned techniques. Careful analysis of these issues can facilitate the decision-making process in obstetric practice. Materials and methods: A review of the current literature was made in the accessible PubMed and Google Scholar database, using the keywords: „operative vaginal deliveries”, „forceps delivery”, „vacuum delivery”. Moreover, textbooks concerning obstetrics and gynecology were reviewed in terms of operative vaginal deliveries. Conclusions: Both forceps and vacuum deliveries have variety of uses, especially in cases of slowed progress of the second stage of labor. They both have distinct differences, the analysis of which may help the obstetrician to choose the best possible method for each case. These techniques may prove to be a useful tool in preventing unnecessary caesarean sections and their complications, especially when performed by experienced doctors