Procalcitonin in clinical practice

Procalcitonin (PCT) is increasingly recognized as an important diagnostic tool in clinical practice. High plasma levels are observed in patients with severe sepsis or septic shockmoreover, there is a good correlation between PCT, inflammation activity and severity of sepsis. Local limited bacterial infections induce only a slight increase of PCT serum concentration. On the other hand, viral infections, neoplastic and autoimmune disorders usually do not have any influence on PCT serum level. Non-specific induction of PCT synthesis may occur after major surgery, multiple trauma or in newborn infants during the first days of life. Determination of PCT has diagnostic, prognostic and in some situations also therapeutic value

Risk management according to ISO 31000

Organizations of all types and sizes face internal and external factors and influences that make it uncertain whether and when they will achieve their objectives. The effect this uncertainty has on an organization\u27s objectives is «risk». Although the practice of risk management has been developed over time and within many sectors in order to meet diverse needs, the adoption of consistent processes within a comprehensive framework can help to ensure that risk is managed effectively, efficiently and coherently across an organization. The generic approach described in this International Standard provides the principles and guidelines for managing any form of risk in a systematic, transparent and credible manner and within any scope and context. All activities of an organization involve risk. Organizations manage risk by identifying it, analysing it and then evaluating whether the risk should be modified by risk treatment in order to satisfy their risk criteria. Throughout this process, they communicate and consult with stakeholders and monitor and review the risk and the controls that are modifying the risk in order to ensure that no further risk treatment is required. ISO 31000 describes this systematic and logical process in detail. (IS0 31000, 2009)

Climate change adaptation

Since the industrial revolution, our society is driven by the increasing pace of change in business and technology. Every few decades, we are exposed to new and decisive events that bring challenges and create opportunities: think of a locomotive, electric lighting, car, airplane, television and computer. The most decisive event in the next 20 years may not come from an invention, but from the world around us - it is climate change

Corporate social responsibility

Many social changes, like changes in values and the need for ethical action, the phenomenon of socially and ecologically conscious consumer, the rise of enlightened capitalist globalization, and the declining rate of uncontrolled information, are also reflected in the business world. Socially responsible action in the world is becoming imperative, and the critical role of consumers, employees and non-governmental organizations allows that socially responsible operation are fair and credible

Sustainability

Sustainable development aims to optimize the balance between economic, social and environmental objectives. Sustainable thinking reflects concerns about the long-term risks posed by the current consumption of resources, taking into account the objectives of intergenerational justice. This is clearly defined in the detailed definition of sustainable development by WCED (1987): "in essence, sustainable development is not a particular state of harmony, but rather a process of change in which the exploitation of resources, direction of investments, the orientation of technological investment and institutional changes are in harmony, in order to enhance the current and future potential to meet human needs and aspirations." The starting point is given by the economic and social development that meets human needs and desires, but also takes into account the natural resource base and social justice

Iatrogenic streptococcus salivarius meningitis: a case report

We present a case of a 28-year-old patient who underwent spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section, and developed meningitis, Streptococcus salivarius was isolated in the cerebrospinal fluid. The Viridans streptococci are a part of a normal human mouth flora, therefore the patient most likely developed iatrogenic meningitis due to droplet transmission of bacteria intrathecally. We discuss etiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic tools, treatment and prognosis of meningitis afer intrathecal procedures and we emphasize the importance of strict aseptic technique while performing neuraxial procedures. Iatrogenic meningitis should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis in patients who present with symptoms and signs of meningitis after neuraxial blockade

Transport

Traffic growth is strongly fuelled by economic growth, because without an efficient transport system the internal market and the globalization of trade cannot fully be exploited. The growth of traffic is affected primarily by two factors, namely in the passenger traffic by the increased use of cars, whereas in freight transport the traffic growth was affected by changes in the economy. The economic growth will lead to increased need for mobilityit is estimated that demand will increase by 38% for freight transport services and by 24% for passenger transport (European Commission, 2001)

Prokalcitonin v klinični praksi

Procalcitonin (PCT) is increasingly recognized as an important diagnostic tool in clinical practice. High plasma levels are observed in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock; moreover, there is a good correlation between PCT, inflammation activity and severity of sepsis. Local limited bacterial infections induce only a slight increase of PCT serum concentration. On the other hand, viral infections, neoplastic and autoimmune disorders usually do not have any influence on PCT serum level. Non-specific induction of PCT synthesis may occur after major surgery, multiple trauma or in newborn infants during the first days of life. Determination of PCT has diagnostic, prognostic and in some situations also therapeutic value.Ni abstrakta

Successful use of tocilizumab and casirivimab/imdevimab in a twin pregnancy with critical COVID-19 – A case report

COVID-19 in pregnancy is associated with increased maternal morbidity and mortality as well as higher risk for hospitalization in intensive care unit and mechanical ventilation. We present a 38-year-old 21+5week pregnant unvaccinated woman with twins and critical COVID-19 pneumonia caused by Delta SARS-CoV-2 strain. Because of rapid worsening of respiratory condition despite standard of care treatment with steroids, she received a combination of casirivimab/imdevimab and tocilizumab. After therapy we noticed respiratory improvement and after 10 days she was extubated. Due to selective fetal growth restriction of one of the twins, a planned caesarean section was performed at 34+6 weeks. Presented case indicates favorable outcome and safe use of casirivimab/imdevimab and tocilizumab in critical COVID-19, as no severe or minor signs or symptoms in the case presentation were observed neither in the mother nor in infants during the time of observation