Neuropsychiatric dimensions of COVID-19 - literature review

SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to severe multiple organ failure. The immune system is stimulated by activating the inflammatory mechanism and by releasing inflammatory cytokines. COVID-19 is able to penetrate the central nervous system, inducing neuritis and neurodegeneration. In our study, we analyzed the latest available articles. We focused on the subject of COVID-19 infection and consequences of neuroinflammation. For this study, we searched the literature available in Pubmed and Google Scholar databases using keywords. There is evidence of a common background of COVID-19 complications and neurological diseases such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease. This type of complication is more frequently observed in serious cases of COVID-19, with a more intense immune response, with higher levels of CRP, ferritin and D-dimers. Organic changes in conjunction with environmental stress caused by the experience of severe illness, fear of becoming ill and social limitations, lead to neuropsychiatric pathologies, including major depressive disorders and post-traumatic stress. The neuropsychiatric implications of COVID-19 represent a severe clinical problem that deserves special attention in the treatment of COVID-19 infection. There is a need to monitor the neuropsychiatric consequences of COVID-19, in order to completely understand the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This knowledge is necessary to be able to confront the public health crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp

COVID-19 impact on kidneys

Introduction and purposeThe COVID-19 pandemic, which has been ongoing since early 2020, has significantly affected the health care system worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 virus being the etiological factor of the disease has a high affinity for the renal organ. The purpose of this study was to provide an overview of the current knowledge of the problem of frequent AKI in the course of coronavirus infection, the impact of COVID-19 disease in patients with chronic kidney disease and on renal replacement therapy or dialysis.Review methodIn the process of writing, we used available articles and scientific papers in Pubmed and Google Scholar databases based on keywords: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, AcuteKidneyInjury, ChronicKidneyDisease.State of knowledgeSARS-CoV-2 virus enters target cells through the ACE2 receptor. In the pathophysiology of AKI in the course of COVID-19, a key role is attributed to secondary damage mechanisms such as cytokine storm, hypoperfusion with hypoxia, endothelial dysfunction. The incidence of acute kidney injury ranges from 5.1% to 36.6%. The development of AKI, renal transplant status, the presence of chronic kidney disease or renal replacement therapy is associated with an increased risk of severe course and higher mortality on COVID-19. SummaryThe COVID-19 pandemic has posed new logistical and therapeutic challenges to the health care system. Due to the high tropism of SARS-CoV-2 to the kidneys and the frequent occurrence of AKI during the course of the infection, nephrology patients, those on renal replacement therapy and those awaiting transplantation should be placed under special surveillance. Patients in these groups are at particular risk for a severe course of COVID-19

Depression in regard to postcovid syndrome - literature review

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic health problem that causes a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. Recovered patients who survive COVID-19 may continue to report a wide variety of clinical manifestations such as depression, which is named post covid syndrome. In our article, we sought to determine the frequency and possible causes of depressive symptoms and clinically-significant depression in the post COVID syndrome. We conducted a review of postcovid manifestations by searching PubMed, Scopus, World health organization (WHO) databases. The symptoms of postcovid syndrome have been shown as a weakness, cognitive impairment, sleep disturbance, and depression, among others. Persistent mental disorders among people who suffer from long-term COVID-19 may be related to psychological factors, as well as from infection and the associated neurobiological trauma. According to available studies, a significant percentage of depression symptoms is observed among people with postcovid syndrome, especially in older age groups. Also symptoms of mental, neurological and physical illness as well as inflammatory brain injury in people with post-COVID syndrome are likely to increase suicidal ideation and behavior in this patient population

Nutritional treatment in chronic kidney disease - review article

INTRODUCTION: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition affecting nearly 16% of the population. It is a disease that cannot be completely cured with modern medical capabilities. However, it is possible to halt the progression of the disease and postpone renal replacement therapy through pharmacotherapy. In order to monitor the progression of the disease, GFR should be determined.        PURPOSE OF THE WORK: This article reviews the potential impact of typical Western diet and eating habits on the occurrence and progression of chronic kidney disease. Reducing the intake of animal protein, foods rich in sodium potassium and phosphorus, and increasing the intake of fruits, vegetables and fiber help prevent or delay end-stage renal disease. The literature on the role of a low-protein plant-based diet in patients with CKD was also reviewed.        DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: In addition to pharmacological methods, whose main goal is to reduce proteinuria and control blood pressure, drug therapy can be supported by non-pharmacological methods. One of them is the use of a low-protein diet and adequate provision of macro- and micronutrients in the diet.         SUMMARY: In order to support pharmacotherapy in the treatment of chronic kidney disease, the use of an appropriate diet plays an important role. According to the literature, the most important is restriction of protein supply, weight reduction in obese patients and supplementation of micronutrient deficiencies that occur

The use of the KTP 532 nm vascular laser in the treatment of erythema and telangiectasia caused by low temperature exposure - case report

The use of the KTP 532 nm vascular laser in the treatment of erythema and telangiectasia caused by low temperature exposure - case report. A case report. The paper presents a case of effective treatment of frostbite vascular lesions in the face with the use of a 532nm KTP laser in a 55-year-old man with a long history of skin exposure to low temperatures. Aim. The aim of this study is to draw attention to the possibility of using laser therapy in the treatment of skin disorders that are a complication of exposure to low temperatures. In the article below, we present the reduction of vascular lesions of the facial skin during a series of laser treatments with the use of the 532nm laser, meeting the growing interest of patients and doctors in the use of laser therapy in the treatment of skin vascular lesions. Conclusions. The use of laser therapy with the KTP 532nm laser can be an important and effective element in the treatment of skin vascular lesions