Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is potentially blinding, but screening and timely treatment can stop its progression. The data on treatment outcomes of ROP from Central and Eastern Europe are scarce. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the latest results of ROP management in Poznan medical center to update the data from this world region. In the years 2016–2019, 178 patients (350 eyes) received treatment for ROP (6.1% of the screened population). The mean gestational age was 26 weeks (range 22–31 weeks), the mean birth weight was 868 g (range 410–1890 g). The most frequent ROP stage at treatment was zone II, stage 3 + (34.9%). As the first line of treatment, 115 infants (226 eyes, 64.6%) underwent laser photocoagulation (LP); 61 infants (120 eyes, 34.3%) received intravitreal ranibizumab injections (IVR); and 2 infants (4 eyes, 0.6%) were treated simultaneously with LP and IVR. One hundred twenty-six eyes (36%) of 63 patients required retreatment: 20.4% treated with LP and 66.7% treated with IVR. Retinal detachment occurred in 14 eyes (4%). The incidence of ROP, ROP requiring treatment, and reoccurrence rates are higher in the Polish population than in Western Europe and the USA. The identified treatment patterns find increasing use of anti-VEGF agents.
IntroductionThrombocytes may regulate the activity of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), limiting neovascularization in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The aim of this study was to examine the role of platelet counts, thrombocytopenia, and infections in the pathogenesis of ROP.Material and methodsThe study included 163 preterm infants diagnosed with ROP, comparing 76 patients who required treatment with 87 patients in whom ROP resolved spontaneously (control group). Further analysis concerned 52 patients in whom a first line treatment was sufficient to stop ROP progression, and 24 patients who required re-treatment.ResultsA statistically significant difference was found in the occurrence of thrombocytopenia (p = 0.015), platelet counts before the diagnosis of ROP (p = 0.008), and the presence of late-onset infection (p = 0.007). The ROC curve analysis showed that the value of platelets above 232 × 109/l may stimulate spontaneous resolution of ROP. A significant difference between patients once treated and patients that required re-treatment was found in platelet count before the diagnosis of ROP (p = 0.017), platelet count before the first intervention (p = 0.013), and the number of transfusions (p = 0.042).ConclusionsThe results of the study confirm the association between ROP development and its severity with thrombocytopenia. While there were no differences in the occurrence of thrombocytopenia right after the birth, its episode before the diagnosis of ROP seems to be significant for ROP development. The deficiency of platelets prior to a treatment intervention may be associated with necessity of re-treatment.
Introduction: Persistent infection with oncogenic types of human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cervical cancer in women, penile cancer in men, as well as anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers in both genders. It has been proven that the HPV vaccination, preferably before initiation of sexual life, is highly effective in preventing these cancers. Aim: The study aims to assess the level of knowledge, awareness and attitudes of dentistry students at Poznan University of Medical Science about HPV infection and HPV vaccinations. Material and methods:The self-designed survey contained 32 questions regarding basic demographic data, sexual behaviour data, attitude to vaccines, and knowledge about HPV infection and HPV vaccinations. The analysed group consisted of 270 students (213 females and 57 males). Results: Among the respondents, 166 (61.48%) were younger dentistry students (1-3 years of study) and 104 (38.52%) were older dentistry students (4-5 years of study). Older students had a significantly higher level of knowledge than younger students (p < 0.0001). Students after sexual intercourse had a significantly higher level of knowledge compared with students before first sexual intercourse (p < 0.0001). Students with a constant sexual partner (64.07%) had a significantly higher level of knowledge compared with students without a constant sexual partner (p < 0.0001). Only 30% (n = 81) of students had been vaccinated against HPV (35.21% of females and 10.53% of males; p < 0.0001). Conclusions:The results demonstrate that awareness and knowledge about HPV, HPV vaccines, and cancers associated with HPV depends, among other things, on the year of study and sexual activity. It is essential to increase the knowledge and awareness of health risks regarding HPV infection from the beginning of studies because dentistry students and dentists should better educate the population about the risks associated with HPV infection.
Introduction. Frequent occurrence of elevated nickel levels in everyday items explains why allergic contact dermatitis to nickel is the most common in the general population. In Northern America and Europe, 20% of the general population suffers from contact dermatitis while 8.6% of patients suffering from contact dermatitis are allergic to nickel.Material and Methods. A group of 25 patients (24 females and 1 male) sensitized to nickel and cobalt on the basis of patch testing was analyzed during a 2-year-long period in Department of Dermatology Poznań University of Medical Sciences. Contact allergy to nickel and cobalt was confirmed with the positive result of patch test, conducted with the Polish Standard Series of chemotechnique.Results. An excessive nickel release was detected in over a quarter of the tested items, respectively in 7.5% of jewellery, 57.89% of clothing accessories, 56.89% of other utility goods, such as keys, telephones or stationery. Cobalt excessive release was found in 7.3% of tested items, respectively in none of jewellery and kitchen accessories, 25% of clothing accessories, 12.5% of other utility goods (keys, pens, pendants).Conclusions. In general, everyday-use items are not nickel-free and more legislation steps are necessary to provide it and prevent initial sensitization in future generations. Several articles of every-day use release nickel and cobalt above migration limits.
IntroductionTransapical aortic valve implantation (TA-AVI) has been widely introduced for treatment of patients with severe aortic stenosis in the last decade. Here we report our first clinical experience with 10 patients using the second-generation transapical Symetis Acurate TA aortic valve designed for transapical implantation.AimTo evaluate the results of transapical access in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) among patients with unsuitable vascular access.Material and methodsAll patients had been assessed by a local heart team and were disqualified from surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) and the transfemoral TAVI approach. Mean age was 75.4 ±3.9 years (range: 68–80), with 20% being female. Logistic EuroSCORE (European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation) and STS (Society of Thoracic Surgeons) were 15.4 ±8.9% and 20.5 ±4.5%, respectively.ResultsAll implantations were performed successfully in the intra-annular and subcoronary position. There were no conversions to surgical AVR. All patients survived 30-day follow-up. No strokes or transient ischemic attacks were reported. There was no need for pacemaker implantation and none of the patients demonstrated moderate or significant paravalvular leakage. The mean aortic gradients improved significantly from a baseline of 57.0 ±19.2 mm Hg to a 30-day value of 14.2 ±4.1 mm Hg.ConclusionsOur initial clinical results indicate satisfactory functionality in patients after trans-apical implantation of the Symetis Acurate aortic valve. The procedure of implantation seems to be straightforward and may be considered in patients in whom a transfemoral approach is not a good option.
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