Changes seen in the body of an elderly patient suffering from diabetes

Background: Diabetes is a foreign disease today. This is a chronic, metabolic disease that is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. There are many types of disease. Each of them has different characteristics. The key in the fight against the disease is to perform appropriate laboratory tests to diagnose diabetes and to introduce appropriate treatment to prevent many complications, e.g. impairment of: vision, kidneys, cardiovascular system or hearing. Material and methods: A proper review of the literature was used, which identifies risk factors, complications and proper management in diagnosing diabetes. Results: The growing problem of diabetes forces us to find the most accurate way to treat the disease. Performing reliable diagnostics is crucial. The reference method (IDMS) and methods used in routine diagnostics, oxidase hexokinase are the basic and necessary laboratory tests used in the diagnosis of diabetes. Conclusions: In the coming years, the number of patients suffering from diabetes will continue to grow. Diagnosis and treatment of this disease is extremely important, because neglecting the disease can have many serious consequences for healthy physical and mental functioning. The basis is the performance of correct tests, which allows for proper treatment

A holistic approach to the problem of Rheumatoid Arthritis in geriatric patients

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease and belongs to the group of systemic connective tissue diseases having an autoimmune basis. The most commonly reported symptoms by patients are pain, swelling and difficulty moving the affected joints. The course of rheumatoid arthritis is different in the elderly, the onset of the disease in the elderly is more severe than in the young, and large proximal joints are primarily involved. Make a diagnosis as soon as possible and start treatment, the greater the chance of delaying disease progression and even remission, which will minimize disability. In the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in the elderly, who often have co-morbidities and often mobility difficulties, the role of physiotherapist and nursing care is extremely important next to medical treatment. The use of kinesitherapy allows you to increase the range of motion of the joints and maintain them in good functional condition. Physiotherapy, on the other hand, has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. This effect is enhanced by properly selected pharmacological treatment, carried out with the help of disease-modifying drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticosteroids and biological drugs

Review of the methodology of lower limb prosthesis

Background: The replacement of inefficient or lost organs, especially in the case of lower ends, is associated with a huge experience for the patient, especially in emotional terms. However, with the development of medicine and technology, they allow patients, with properly conducted rehabilitation, to achieve satisfaction with the obtained effects of the treatment. The variety of forms of lower limb prosthesis depends primarily on the location of the prosthesis. Material and methods: Analysis of available literature, articles in the Google Scholar and PubMed database using keywords: Prosthesis, Lower limb, Amputation Results: The lower limb prosthesis is built from a funnel that matches the stump, the mechanism of the knee joint, shin and the foot. Pours that are used at the lower extremities include: a quadrangular funnel, an ICS longitudinal oval or a CAD-CAM, a full-contact hip funnel, a residual femoral funnel or vacuum syphilis used in people with neoplastic amputations. In the case of knee joints, the distinction is made based on the number of axes around which the movement takes place. So we distinguish uniaxial and multi-axis joints. As important as the other parts is the construction of the prosthetic foot, because it is responsible for supporting the limb stabilizers through passive control of the ankle bending. Conclusions: With the new generation of lower limbs prostheses, the patient can lead an active professional life, as well as practice various sports disciplines. However, this does not change the fact that there is still a great need for research, and holistic cooperation to increase the efficiency and satisfaction of life of amputees in the lower limbs

Rehabilitation of patients with paraplegia - a review of the diversity of forms

Abstract: Background: Damage to the spinal cord most often occurs as a result of spine injury, often causing the disability. In every patient with paraplegia, complications may occur in the form of: sensory disorders, bedsores, contractures, urinary and stool incontinence, paresis or limb paralysis, as well as sexual problems. Material and methods: Analysis of available literature, articles in the Google Scholar and PubMed database using keywords: Rehabilitation, Paraplegia, Neurology Results: Losing the function of locomotion and self-care in everyday activities is a great psychological burden, both for the sick person and his family. Rehabilitation proceeding should include physical, psychological and social aspects. For paraplegics, the introduction of early and appropriately targeted treatment may reduce the risk of onerous complications and allow for maximum self-empowerment in basic activities. For a person with disability, it is a chance to achieve self-acceptance and return to a dignified life in society. Conclusions: Problems of patients with paraplegia, despite the fact that they were described in many books and articles, should still be considered in studies that would use the latest news from the world of science. Patients struggling with this problem still expect further measures to improve their quality of life

Complications associated with hospitalization after spinal cord injury

Abstract: Background: Spinal cord injuries are a traumatic phenomenon not only for the physical sphere, but equally affect the human psyche. The patient ceases to be independent in his actions, he must face a completely new situation for himself and the environment. Particularly difficult is the first period after injury, associated with hospitalization. That is why it is so important to prevent the most common complications of spinal injuries during this period. Material and methods: Analysis of available literature, articles in the Google Scholar and PubMed database using keywords: Spinal Cord, Injury, Trauma, Complications Results: The most common complications associated with the hospital stay of patients with spinal cord injury include: complications in the respiratory system (including pneumonia, atelectasis and respiratory failure), decubitus ulcers, periarticular neurogenic ossification, autonomic dysreflexia, spasticity or disorders in the functioning of the urinary tract. Decubitus ulcers due to their nature are a huge problem for hospitalized patients, in epidemiological studies it was estimated to occur at nearly 20 per cent. Spasticity is one of the most serious complications hindering the effective rehabilitation process of post-traumatic persons. In the case of disorders associated with the urinary system, it is important to classify dysfunctions based on the neurogenic evaluation of the sphincter muscles and detrusor. Conclusions: Due to the increasing number of spinal cord and spinal cord injuries and the serious nature of their complications, this topic should continue to be an area of very intensive scientific research, both theoretical and clinical. The given issues should be familiar not only to the medical community but also to the family and the patient's environment

Dysfunctions of the immune system associated with age

Abstract Background: The human immune system consists of innate and adaptive responses. Innate immune response is the first line of the body's defense, while the adaptive response eliminates pathogens in later stages of infection. Cooperation between innate and adaptive immune response is important to effectively eliminate pathogens. An integral part of the aging of the human body is the aging of the immune system, which results in functional disorders directly affecting the deterioration of health. Abnormal functioning of the immune system is a predisposing factor to the occurrence of old-age diseases, as well as reduces the effectiveness of protective vaccination especially recommended to geriatric patients. Material and Methods: The current state of knowledge on age-related immune dysfunctions has been reviewed. The analysis concerned publications in English and Polish language published in the years 2003-2018, which were collected in the PubMed and Google Scholar database. Particular attention was paid to publications presenting the results of research conducted on a group of geriatric people in order to analyze the facts from the research. The publications were searched on the basis of key phrases, among others: the immune system of the elderly, chronic inflammation, innate immunity and adaptive immunity. Results: A review of current knowledge showed the seriousness of the problem of the aging of the immune system. In addition to reducing the efficiency of the immune system, special attention should be paid to chronic inflammation that predisposes to old-age diseases, as well as to reduce the effectiveness of immunization, which is a serious threat. Conclusion: Analyzing the sources of chronic inflammation in the elderly, particular attention was paid to the phenotype of aging cells, changes in the intestinal microflora of the elderly, the role of adipose tissue in the process of inflammation and changes in the levels of steroid hormones. Public awareness of the etiology of the problem is an excellent method of counteracting the negative effects of immunodeficiency. One of the recommendations is physical activity as part of the elimination of adipose tissue capable of securing an infinite number of pro-inflammatory cytokines

Rehabilitation in scoliosis - an overview of the most important procedures

Introduction: Scoliosis is defined as deformation of the spine and torso in three dimensions. Study show that scoliosis affects 68% of healthy individuals over 65 years of age with no low back pain. The aim of this article is to review the available scoliosis rehabilitation methods, including the newest physical rehabilitation trends. Material and methods: Articles in the Google Scholar, Pub Med database have been analysed using keywords: scoliosis, deformation of the spine and torso, modern methods of rehabilitation, older people. Results: After skeletal maturity, curves less than 30°do not progress, however most curves greater than 50°continue to progress with approximate change of 1°per year. Bracing is one of the most popular options of scoliosis treatment. Braces usage aims to slow the progression of the curve. However, complications resulting from the physical changes caused by the compression of the body and/or psychological effects due to the disturbance of the appearance while wearing the brace may occure. The Lehnert-Schroth three-plane corrective breath method principles are: a proper breathing technique where the ribs are used as levers and the breath is directed to the unstretched parts of lungs allowing correction of the curvature of the spine, and secondly activation of non-working muscles on the side of the concave curvature. Nevertheless, surgical procedure is advised for curves greater than 45° in immature patients and greater than 50° in mature patients. Conclusions: Scoliosis, defined as spinal and torso deformity in three planes. 80% of all cases of this postural defect are juvenile idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). However, degenerative scoliosis developed during the patient’s life due to the degeneration of the discs of the spine is frequent in people over the age of 65. It often limits daily functioning and can cause severe pain that requires medical intervention. It has been proven that properly selected systematic rehabilitation may lead to significant improvement in the spinal alignment. Nevertheless, in severe cases surgical treatment may be necessary

The impact of influenza on elderly patients

Background: Influenza is a disease affecting the human respiratory system. A common problem is to confuse colds with influenza, which results in problems with vaccination and complications related to influenza. Particular attention should be paid to the treatment of influenza, as it is a serious health risk if not treated in the elderly. Research conducted by scientists from Taiwan shows that currently the best way to protect against influenza is preventive vaccination. In addition to vaccination, antiviral drugs (Oseltamivir, Zanamivir, Amantadine, Rimantadine), antipyretics (aspirin, paracetamol) are used. Attention is paid to natural methods (ginseng extract, root lichen extract) and supplements (vitamin C, zinc). Material and Methods: This article is based on a review of the current state of knowledge on influenza in the elderly. The most up-to-date literature with EBSCO, Google Scholar and PubMed has been reviewed. Key words such as influenza, influenza complications, vaccinations, influenza treatment. Results: In the context of the above topics, particular attention is paid to the elderly, in whom a low level of immunity predisposes to getting sick. An increase in the incidence of disease causes an increase in the mortality of older people. Complications following the occurrence of influenza are closely related to the type of virus, where the influenza A virus classified as the heaviest in the course. It has been proven that the bird influenza virus is also a threat to humans. The classic symptoms of influenza are cough, fever, while complications associated with untreated influenza are primarily myocarditis or pneumonia. Conclusion: Due to the decline in immunity, older people are particularly at risk of influenza virus. Scientists have demonstrated the high effectiveness of protective vaccination, but one should remember to repeat them every year. Vaccinations in the elderly have reduced effectiveness, which is why antiviral therapies, natural methods and supplements are used. In the rational treatment of influenza, it is noted that natural methods and supplements are an addition to classic antiviral therapy

Sexual dysfunction in elderly men and women

Background: The aging process of the body is inexorable and affects all areas of geriatric patient's life, including the quality of his sex life. In this case, however, also psychological and environmental problems must be taken into account in the case of diagnostics. The sexuality of elderly patients has been neglected by the medical community for many years, and even recognized by some doctors as unnecessary or bad. Currently, there is a slow change in this position, also due to the patients themselves who are looking for help in specific situations. Material and methods: Analysis of available literature, articles in the Google Scholar and PubMed database using keywords: Sexuality, Geriatrics, Dysfunctions Results: Statistics on the sexuality of the elderly give a clear picture of how great a problem this sphere of life is. The main risk factors for sexual dysfunction of the above-mentioned patients include, among others, abnormal lifestyle and urinary tract infections. In the patients' lifestyle the most important aetiological factors are incorrect diet or lack of physical activity. Men of all ages are exposed to problems, however, in the epidemiology of this dysfunction, a drastic jump after the age of 50 is noticed. It is connected with the weakening of the function of the nervous system and microcirculation in the urinary tract and the reduction of the number of hormones responsible for the functioning of sexual organs. In women, this menopause is the period that most destructively affects the quality of sexual life. Here, as in the case of men, a reduced amount of hormones has a negative effect, among others, by a reduced sexual desire or the presence of pain during intercourse. In the treatment of the above-mentioned disorders, mainly pharmacology has the largest field of action. In the treatment of sexual dysfunction, we mainly use 2 compounds and these are sildenafil and tadalafil. Conclusions: Human sexuality, especially in the case of older people, can not be a neglected subject, and dysfunctions and problems of patients treated like any other. The need to integrate interdisciplinary mode in dealing with this type of problems is more necessary. All this is connected with the fact that there is a definite deficit in publications and research on this subject, which creates a wide range of possibilities for the medical community

Laboratory tests in geriatric patients - an overview of the latest reports

Laboratory tests are extremely important in patient’s monitoring and/or diagnosing. We described those that are particularly significant for elderly patients, namely: peripheral blood morphology, arterial blood gasometry, cancer markers. The aim of this article is to summarize current knowledge about laboratory tests important in geriatrics, as well as draw attention to the diverse use of laboratory tests in clinical practise