BackgroundThis study aimed at evaluating the diagnostic and outcome prediction value of transthoracic impedance cardiography (ICG) in heart failure (HF) patients admitted for in-hospital treatment due to flare-ups of their condition.Material/MethodsIn total, 120 patients of intensive care units who were admitted due to HF flare-ups were involved to the study. The findings of ICG were compared to data obtained by other methods used for diagnosing HF.ResultsStatistically significant (p<0.001) results were obtained when evaluating differences in ICG data between admission and discharge from the intensive care unit. In addition, a correlation was detected between brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and thoracic fluid content index (r=0.4, p<0.001). Differences in ICG values, and BNP data emerged after the participants were grouped according to NYHA classes (p<0.05). The evaluation of lethal outcome during 6 months after the discharge yielded statistically significant results: BNP ≥350 pg/mL (Odds Ratio (OR) 4.4), thoracic fluid content ≥34 1/kOhm (OR 4.3), and systolic time ratio ≥0.55 (OR 2.9), p<0.05.ConclusionsICG data might be applied for the diagnosis and prognosis of HF, although the links between ICG and HF need further evaluation.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is an attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis that has been effectively used in the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder carcinoma. The complications of this treatment are uncommon, and the causes of dissemination are still discussed. We report a case of disseminated tuberculosis in a 66-year-old smoking man without a history of pulmonary diseases, who underwent immunotherapy with BCG after the initial surgical treatment of bladder cancer. After the last BCG instillation, he developed a fever. The diagnosis of sepsis was not confirmed, and miliary pulmonary tuberculosis was suspected. The diagnosis was confirmed by clinical manifestation, computed tomography of the lungs, and histological examination.

BackgroundHeart failure (HF) accounts for about 5% of all causes of urgent hospital admissions, and the overall mortality of HF patients within 1 year after hospitalization is 17–45%. Transthoracic impedance cardiography (ICG) is a safe, non-invasive diagnostic technique that helps to detect various parameters that define different cardiac functions. The aim of this study was to investigate the value of ICG parameters in patients hospitalized due to HF flare-ups.Material/MethodsThe study included 60 patients (24 women and 36 men) who were admitted to intensive care units because of an acute episode of HF without signs of myocardial infarction. The diagnosis of HF as the main reason for hospitalization was verified according to the universally accepted techniques. ICG data were compared to those obtained via other HF diagnostic techniques.ResultsA moderately strong relationship was found between the ejection fraction (EF) and the systolic time ratio (STR) r=−0.4 (p=0.002). Findings for STR and thoracic fluid content index (TFCI) differed after dividing the subjects into groups according to the EF (p<0.05). A moderately strong relationship was found between brain natriuretic peptide and TFCI r=0.425 (p=0.001), left cardiac work index (LCWI) r=−0.414 (p=0.001). Findings for TFCI, LCWI, and cardiac output differed after dividing the subjects into groups according to HF NYHA classes (p<0.05).ConclusionsTransthoracic impedance cardiography parameters could be applied for the diagnostics and monitoring of HF, but further studies are required to evaluate the associations between ICG findings and HF.

Impedance plethysmography, especially its parameter CT, is an alternative noninvasive method in diagnosing PAD and could be used for the screening of patients with PAD.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to follow circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in response to severe muscle-damaging exercise. Methods: Young healthy men (N 5 10) performed a bout of mechanically demanding stretch-shortening cycle exercise consisting of 200 drop jumps. Voluntary and electrically induced knee extension torque, serum BDNF levels, and IL-6 levels were measured before and for up to 7 days after exercise. Results: Muscle force decreased by up to 40% and did not recover by 24 hours after exercise. Serum BDNF was decreased 1 hour and 24 hours after exercise, whereas IL-6 increased immediately and 1 hour after but recovered to baseline by 24 hours after exercise. IL-6 and 100-Hz stimulation torque were correlated (r 5 20.64, P < 0.05) 24 hours after exercise. Discussion: In response to acute, severe muscle-damaging exercise, serum BDNF levels decrease, whereas IL-6 levels increase and are associated with peripheral fatigue.