Manifestations of the pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome temporally related with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS) in the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, nervous and respiratory systems.

Introduction and objective: The course of the pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS) is not fully understood. In most cases, complications are so severe that the patients require hospitalization. The aim of this study is to discuss the most common symptoms in the course of PIMS in the individual systems. Review methods: The Medline database (Pubmed) was searched in March 2022 using the keywords: PIMS symptoms, MIS-C manifestations, hyperinflammation, post-COVID. English and Polish language papers published between 2020 and 2022 were selected. Brief description of the state of knowledge: Studies show that the most frequently occuring symptoms are fever, followed by gastrointestinal manifestations. However, the most serious complications have been reported in thecardiovascular system. It is estimated that up to half of the patients develop left ventricular failure or shock, and a quarter may develop coronary artery aneurysms. A large percentage of patients diagnosed with PIMS also manifest nervous system symptoms. In addition to symptoms, organic brain lesions have been described in imaging studies. In contrast to COVID-19 disease, respiratory complications are rare in PIMS. Respiratory failure, if present, usually develops secondary to cardiovascular failure. Summary: The current reports allow to state that PIMS is a rare, but serious disease affecting children most often in school age. Symptoms are not specific and may be different for each patient. Since the disease is difficult to diagnose, criteria have been developed that include the most common symptoms as well as a link to SARS-CoV-2 exposure. Key words: PIMS symptoms; MIS-C manifestations; hyperinflammation; post-COVIDWprowadzenie i cel pracy: Przebieg wieloukładowego zespołu zapalnego związanego z SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS) nie jest do końca poznany. W większości przypadków powikłania są na tyle poważne, że pacjenci wymagają hospitalizacji. Celem pracy jest omówienie najczęściej występujących objawów w przebiegu PIMS w poszczególnych układach. Materiał i metoda: W marcu 2022 roku została przeszukana baza danych Medline (Pubmed) przy użyciu słów kluczowych: PIMS symptoms, MIS-C manifestations, hyperinflammation, post-COVID. Wybrane zostały prace w języku angielskim i polskim, opublikowane w latach 2020-2022. Opis stanu wiedzy: Badania pokazują, że najczęściej, zaraz po gorące, występują dolegliwości ze strony układu pokarmowego. Najpoważniejsze powikłania odnotowano jednak w układzie sercowo-naczyniowym. Szacuje się, że nawet u połowy pacjentów dochodzi do niewydolności lewokomorowej lub wstrząsu, a u jednej czwartej mogą rozwinąć się tętniaki tętnic wieńcowych. Duży odsetek chorych z rozpoznanym PIMS manifestuje również objawy ze strony układu nerwowego. Poza objawami podmiotowymi opisywano również zmiany organiczne mózgu. W przeciwieństwie do choroby COVID-19 powikłania w układzie oddechowym występują rzadko. Niewydolność oddechowa, jeżeli występuje, najczęściej rozwija się wtórnie do niewydolności układu krążenia. Podsumowanie: Dotychczasowe doniesienia pozwalają stwierdzić, że PIMS jest rzadką, aczkolwiek poważną chorobą dotykającą dzieci najczęściej w wieku szkolnym. Objawy występujące w jej przebiegu nie są swoiste i mogą być różne u każdego pacjenta. Rozpoznanie choroby jest trudne, dlatego opracowano kryteria obejmujące najczęściej występujące objawy, a także powiązanie z ekspozycja na wirusa SARS-CoV-2. Słowa klucz: PIMS symptoms; MIS-C manifestations; hyperinflammation; post-COVID &nbsp

Complications after SARS-CoV2 virus infection in the respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous systems and in the kidneys.

Introduction and objective: The mechanism by which the sars-cov-2 virus attacks organs and causes their long-term complications is not yet fully understood. Many patients who have had COVID-19 complain of various ailments more and more often, and some of them are admitted to hospitals as an emergency. The aim of the study is to present the most common complications after sars-cov-2  infection in selected systems and organs, as well as their consequences. Review methods: In February 2022, the Medline (PubMed) and Google Scholar databases were searched using the following keywords: after COVID-19 complications, long-term sequelae of covid-19, mortality after covid-19, post-covid, long covid . Works in English, French and German published in 2020-2022 were selected. Brief description of the state of knowledge: Accumulated statistics show that COVID-19 very often leaves fibrotic changes in the lungs and nonspecific symptoms such as shortness of breath, persistent headache and loss of taste and smell. Symptoms of right ventricular failure and heart attacks of various etiologies are often observed, and vascular endothelium activated by infection can lead to thrombotic disorders in the lungs, brain and peripheral vascular systems. There was also an increase in the incidence of acute kidney injury during the pandemic. Summary: The reports so far allow to state that the disease process associated with covid-19 does not stop once the main symptoms resolve.Inflammatory changes in the body can continue for a long time and can lead to irreversible complications, sometimes with catastrophic consequences.Wprowadzenie i cel pracy: Mechanizm w jaki wirus sars-cov-2 atakuje narządy i powoduje ich długotrwałe powikłania nie jest do końca poznany. Wielu pacjentów, którzy przebyli COVID-19 coraz częściej skarży się na różne dolegliwości, a część z nich przyjmowana jest do szpitali trybie pilnym. Celem pracy jest przybliżenie najczęściej występujących komplikacji po infekcji sars-cov-2  w wybranych układach i narządach, a także ich następstw. Materiał i metoda: W lutym 2022 roku przeszukano bazy danych Medline (PubMed) oraz Google Scholar przy użyciu słów kluczowych: after COVID-19 complications, long-term sequelae of covid-19, mortality after covid-19, post-covid, long covid . Zostały wybrane prace w językach angielskim, francuskim i niemieckim opublikowane w latach 2020-2022. Opis stanu wiedzy: Zgromadzone statystyki pokazują, że COVID-19 bardzo często pozostawia zmiany zwłóknieniowe w płucach oraz niespecyficzne objawy takie jak duszność, utrzymujący się ból głowy czy utrata smaku i węchu. Często obserwuje się symptomy niewydolności prawej komory serca i zawały serca różnej etiologii, a aktywowany zakażeniem śródbłonek naczyń może prowadzić do zaburzeń zakrzepowych w płucach, mózgu i w obwodowym układzie naczyniowym. Podczas pandemii zanotowano także wzrost ilości przypadków ostrego uszkodzenia nerek. Podsumowanie: Dotychczasowe doniesienia pozwalają stwierdzić, że proces chorobowy związany z covid-19 nie kończy się w momencie ustąpienia głównych objawów. W organizmie zmiany zapalne mogą toczyć się jeszcze długi czas i prowadzić do nieodwracalnych powikłań, niekiedy katastrofalnych w skutkach. Słowa klucz: after covid complications; long-term sequelae of covid-19; mortality after covid-19; post-covid; long covi

Measles: A disease that’s making a comeback

Introduction: Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that occurs around the world, featured by fever and the characteristic maculopapular rash, which can also be associated with cough, conjunctivitis or coryza. In recent years, there has been an alarming increase in the amount of measles cases in many countries around the world. The aim of this study is to review the literature and systematize knowledge about measles.Brief description of the state of knowledge: The disease is caused by the measles virus, which is highly infectious, and its only reservoir is humans. The infection occurs via droplets, and the disease is a three-phase course. Unfortunately, measles is behind multiple complications, which may lead to death. In view of no specific antiviral therapies available for the treatment of measles, controlling the spread of the disease depends on prophylaxis, that is the use of widely available and effective vaccination against measles. Despite the presence of vaccines, there is still a substantial risk of further endemic outbreaks.  Conclusions: Nowadays, the elimination of measles is a major challenge due to increasing population density, ongoing wars, pandemics and other social and political factors. Hence, it remains paramount to make every effort to increase the quantity of people vaccinated against measles and to control its spread globally

Selected effects of combined oral contraceptives use

Introduction and objective:: Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are one of the most popular methods of contraception worldwide. The universality of this method leads to the constant analysis of its influence on the female body. The purpose of this study is to discuss selected side effects of COC use. Review methods: In July 2022, articles found in the Medline (Pubmed) and Google Scholar databases were selected by using the following keywords: oral contraceptive use; risk of cancer; depression; side effects of hormonal contraception; venous thrombosis. Brief description of the state of knowledge: COC use has been shown to be associated with a 2-6 fold increase in the risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE). The component responsible for this side effect was initially thought to be synthetic estrogen - ethinylestradiol. It is now recognized as having the greatest influence on mood disorders. An increased risk of cancer has been reported in women taking COCs in case of breast cancer and liver cancer. Inverse relationship was observed in colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer. Summary: COC use can have side effects, but it also has many health benefits. Therefore, it is important to constantly learn about this topic and minimize the risk of adverse side effects

The effectiveness of negative pressure wound therapy compared to the traditional method in the treatment of diabetic foot

Introduction and objective: Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic diseases in the world. Diabetic foot ulcers, which are often the result of the disease, are undoubtedly a nursing challenge. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a new therapeutic method supporting wound healing, which has been useful in patients with diabetic foot. The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of negative pressure therapy in comparison to the standard method in the treatment of diabetic foot. Review methods: In February 2023, articles found in the Medline (Pubmed) and Google Scholar databases were selected by using the following keywords: negative pressure wound therapy; VAC therapy; traditional dressing; standard moist wound care; diabetic foot. Brief description of the state of knowledge: NPWT has been proven to be associated with reduced healing time and faster appearance of granulation tissue, which is a sign of wound healing. Patients using this method require fewer dressing changes and surgical cleanings. Negative pressure therapy reduces the time to rehospitalisation and  the risk of amputation or resection of the diabetic foot. Summary: Negative pressure wound therapy is more effective in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers than traditional therapy. Despite the costs associated with NPWT being higher, the method proves to be more profitable. It is important to remember about good therapy technique and proper selection of patients

Haplotypes of Dirofilaria repens from Poland and selected countries of Central, North-Eastern Europe and the Middle East: An evaluation on the relation between the genetic diversity and the geographic distribution of the fast-spreading parasite

: Subcutaneous dirofilariosis is a fast-spreading infection of dogs, and occasionally of other carnivores and humans. Several factors contribute to its spread, including climate change, which facilitates development and survival of Dirofilaria repens in the mosquito vector. Movement/relocation of infected definitive hosts (dogs) from endemic regions to non-endemic regions is another possible cause of local emergence and the presence of a wide variety of wild reservoirs of the parasite may also contribute to its spread. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of D. repens from different regions of Europe and to evaluate the spread of identified haplotypes and their geographic origin. A total of 95 D. repens isolates were obtained from Central and Eastern Europe (Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Austria, Romania), NE Europe (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia), Italy and Israel. All but two positive samples were obtained from the blood of dogs while one positive sample was obtained from an adult worm from a human case from the Lublin area in SE Poland and one sample was obtained from Anopheles plumbeus mosquito from Austria. Genetic diversity in D. repens isolates was evaluated by PCR amplification and sequencing of three genetic markers, including two mitochondrial genes (mtDNA): the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and dehydrogenase subunit I (NADH). Additionally, the genomic marker, internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) was amplified and sequenced. Haplotypes were differentiated based on sequence alignments by identifying Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNPs) using DnaSP and Mega X. PopArt was used to construct a haplotype network including all identified haplotypes. Both mtDNA sequences (COI and NADH) were combined together for phylogenetic and network analyses. Altogether 18 haplotypes (DR1-DR18) were identified in combined mtDNA markers among 95 analysed samples. Haplotype DR1 was the most common encompassing 66 isolates: 42 isolates from Poland (41 from dogs and one from a human), 13 from Lithuania, 4 from Latvia, 2 from Ukraine and 5 from Romania. All other haplotypes grouped around haplotype DR1 separated by 1-5 SNPs, forming a star-like shape. Haplotype DR2 was the second most common haplotype, formed by six isolates from Romania. Interestingly, haplotype DR3 was represented only by four isolates from Israel. The remaining 15 haplotypes were represented by 1-4 isolates of different origins. Our study showed that only minor genetic diversity was found in D. repens since all isolates appear to have clustered in or branched out from haplotype DR1 with 1-5 SNP differences. The genetic diversity appears to be governed by geographic origin since isolates from neighbouring populations (countries) appear to share unique haplotypes while other populations that are geographically distant from individual haplotypes