Clinical and biological assessment of the COVID-19 vaccine efficacy in the frail population is of crucial importance. The study focuses on measuring the levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies before and after BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccination among long-term care facility (LTCF) elderly residents. We conducted a prospective, single-center, observational study among LTCF residents. The study protocol was based on three blood sample acquisitions: first taken at baseline—5 days before the first dose of the vaccine, second—20 days after the first dose, and third—12 days after the second shot of the vaccine. The comparison was made for two cohorts: patients with and without prior COVID-19 infection. The data was collected from January to March 2021. A total number of 78 LTCF residents (55 women and 23 men) aged 62–104, 85.72 ± 7.59 years (mean ± SD), were enrolled in the study. All study participants were investigated for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike (S) protein IgG, using a chemiluminescent immunoassay. Frailty was assessed with the Clinical Frailty Scale. Among elderly COVID-19 survivors in LTCF, a single dose of vaccine significantly increased anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels. IgG concentration after a single and double dose was comparable, which may suggest that elderly COVID-19 survivors do not require a second dose of vaccine. For residents without a previous history of COVID-19, two doses are needed to achieve an effective serological response. The level of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies after vaccination with BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 did not correlate with the frailty and age of the studied individuals.

Background. Endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract is a widely used diagnostic procedure. It can be a source of anxiety, discomfort and even pain for the patients.Objectives. The aim of the study was to assess the discomfort and anxiety associated with gastroscopy, examine their determinants and describe patients' preferences regarding medical procedures and personnel behavior.Material and methods. The study involved 50 patients (21 men and 29 women) who underwent an endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was employed, as well as the authors' own two-part questionnaire, which was conducted before and after the endoscopy.Results. The average level of anxiety was 40.72 STAI points and the emetic reflex was its main source (52%). The average level of discomfort felt during the gastroscopy was 2.84 and was related to both age (p = 0.001), security and privacy during the examination (p = 0.03), as well as to the level of anxiety prior to examination (p = 0.05). The severity of the discomfort was not associated with gender, education or subjective assessment of knowledge about the examination. Half of the patients would have liked to be sedated. A majority of the respondents (61%) indicated that verbal reassurance is a desirable form of behavior of the medical staff.Conclusions. The main cause of patients' anxiety is fear of the discomfort associated with the emetic reflex. The discomfort experienced by patients during endoscopy is linked to their age group, with younger participants experiencing greater discomfort, higher levels of anxiety prior to the examination, and a lower sense of security and privacy. Patients value verbal reassurance, procedural information and behavioral instructions during the endoscopy. General sedation is preferred by patients. Cite asMaślanka-Seiffert B, Seiffert P, Olchowska-Kotala A, Kempiński R. Factors affecting the tolerance of the unsedated upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy. Piel Zdr Publ. StreszczenieWprowadzenie. Endoskopia górnego odcinka przewodu pokarmowego jest rozpowszechnionym badaniem diagnostycznym. Może stanowić dla pacjenta źródło lęku, dyskomfortu, a nawet bólu.Cel pracy. Celem badania była ocena dyskomfortu i lęku związanego z gastroskopią, zbadanie ich determinantów oraz określenie oczekiwań pacjentów odnośnie do procedur medycznych i zachowania personelu.Materiał i metody. Przebadano 50 pacjentów (21 mężczyzn i 29 kobiet) poddanych endoskopii górnego odcinka przewodu pokarmowego. Do badania wykorzystano Inwentarz Stanu i Cechy Lęku STAI oraz dwuczęściową autorską ankietę przeprowadzaną przed endoskopią i po niej.Wyniki. Średni poziom lęku wynosił 40,72 pkt STAI, a odruch wymiotny był jego głównym źródłem (52%). Średni poziom odczuwanego dyskomfortu podczas gastroskopii wynosił 2,84 i był związany zarówno z wiekiem (p = 0,001), bezpieczeństwem i prywatnością podczas badania (p = 0,03), jak i poziomem lęku przed badaniem (p = 0,05). Nasilenie dyskomfortu nie było związane z płcią, wykształceniem i subiektywną ...