Scaphoid fractures in athletes – the importance of a diagnostic process

Introduction and purpose: Scaphoid fractures are the most common fractures in the wrist area, yet they are still a diagnostic problem. This injury is usual among athletes, especially soccer players, basketball players, and cyclists. Early diagnosis allows for making an appropriate therapeutic decision, and thus a more efficient recovery. Imaging methods for a scaphoid fracture include X-ray, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, bone scintigraphy and ultrasonography. This paper discusses and compares available diagnostic strategies and their impact on recovery in athletes. Brief description of the state of knowledge: The article contains the current knowledge about the epidemiology, anatomy, mechanism of injury and complications of scaphoid fractures, as well as illustrates and compares the possibilities in the field of imaging diagnostics of the injury. Conclusion: The commonness and availability of the X-ray image does not translate into a better diagnostic result. The use of computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging as the first choice gives certain confirmation or exclusion of a scaphoid fracture, and thus accelerates the therapeutic process and return to spor

The impact of educating blood donors on plasmapheresis and plasma applications on the availability of plasma-derived medicinal products

Introduction: Human plasma contains valuable proteins such as albumin, globulins and coagulation factors. These ingredients are used to obtain medicinal products (PDMPs - plasma-derived medicinal products) used in many fields of medicine. The growing number of indications for their use causes an increase in the demand for plasma collected from blood donors. Most donors, however, choose to donate whole blood, which provides a lower amount of plasma than plasmapheresis. Purpose of the study: This study aims to indicate the reasons why donors do not decide to donate plasma by apheresis, to show the role of informing donors about the plasmapheresis, about the uses of plasma collected and about the safety of the process. The work also presents examples of PDMPs applications that can be used in the process of educating donors, which may contribute to increasing the number of plasma donors and, at the same time, the availability of PDMPs. Material and methods: A review of scientific research (using Pubmed, Google Scholar databases), medical books and materials published on websites of institutions related to blood donation regulations was conducted. Results: The reasons why blood donors do not decide to donate plasma include, among others, longer donation time and lack of knowledge about plasmapheresis. The decision to donate plasma via plasmapheresis is influenced not only by the fact of informing the donor about such a possibility, but also by the content and manner of providing the information. Due to the greater amount of plasma obtained each time by plasmapheresis compared to the separation of whole blood, an increase in the number of donors undergoing plasmapheresis may indirectly positively affect the availability of plasma-derived medicinal product

Melatonin – the New Multipotential Drug of the Future?

Introduction: Melatonin is a well-known drug and dietary supplement that is steadily growing in popularity on the pharmaceutical market. This indolamine, which has been known for more than 50 years, is produced by the pineal gland depending on the circadian rhythm. Also referred to as the "darkness hormone" and secreted mainly during nighttime hours, it is primarily associated with the treatment of sleep-wake rhythm disorders or disorders associated with sudden shifting time zones (jet lag). However, many scientific studies have shown that melatonin has multidirectional effects. It is used both as a chronobiotic, i.e., a drug that regulates circadian rhythms, as well as having anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-carcinogenic properties, regulating mitochondrial function, and affecting many systems and organs, keeping the organism in a state of homeostasis. Purpose: This review article aims to provide an overview of the mechanism of action of melatonin, its current indications in clinical practice, and potential future directions for therapy use.   Materials and methods: A summary of reports available in publications and scientific studies posted in medical information databases: Pubmed, CrossRef, Google Scholar, and book positions. Results: The pleiotropic effect of melatonin can be used as an supportive drug in the treatment of sleep disorders, disorders of the central nervous system, the cardiovascular system, the gastrointestinal system, and many oncological diseases. Conclusions: Despite a number of important reports on the positive effects of melatonin in the treatment of disorders in many areas of medicine, it is necessary to deepen research with its participation and the emergence of recommendations for its use in order to safely introduce the drug into common clinical practice

Sudden cardiac death in athletes – can we prevent it?

Introduction and purpose: Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a rare condition, however it is the leading medical cause of death in population of athletes. This study reviews the epidemiology and common causes of SCD in this group. The literature on the role of pre-participation screening and of the other preventive measures was also reviewed. Review methods: A review of the available literature on sudden cardiac death in athletes was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Description of the state of knowledge: SCD is the leading cause of death in athletes. However, the incidence is difficult to estimate and varies in different populations. The etiology is age-dependent, in young individuals the most common cause of sudden cardiac death are hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and congenital coronary artery anomalies. In the older athlete population (over 35 years old) atherosclerotic coronary artery disease is the main cause. Screening process varies between countries and besides taking the medical history and physical examination can involve electrocardiogram, echocardiography and other examinations. Conclusions: A review of the following studies has shown, that pre-participation screening of athletes may help to reduce the incidence of sudden death. Equal focus should be put on the availability of medical facilities during sports events, including experienced medical team and access to automated external defibrillation