Coronary artery calcium score as independent risk factor of obstructive coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To prove an independence of CAC score comparatively to conventional risk factors such as age, and dyslipidemia especially in patients under forty years of age. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: Thirty-four asymptomatic adult patients with no prior established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus or severe comorbidities, except of complex clinical examination, underwent CT scan with evaluation of coronary artery calcium score. RESULTS: Results: The average total cholesterol level in the group was (5.62±1.02) mmol/l, indicating the presence of dyslipidemia. The average HDL level was (1.26±0.24) mmol/l, suggesting an average risk of atherosclerosis. The average LDL levels were within the borderline range at (3.63±1.01) mmol/l. The average triglyceride level was within the safe range at (1.93±1.08) mmol/l. The atherogenicity coefficient indicated a moderate risk of atherosclerosis with an average value of 3.64±1.31. The average coronary artery calcium score was 56.71±143.85, indicating minor plaques and a moderate risk of coronary artery disease. Correlation analysis revealed no significant correlation between age and the CAC score (r=0.1, p>0.05). However, reliable direct correlation of weak strength was found between the CAC score and LDL level (r=0.35, p<0.05). Direct correlations of weak strength were also observed between age and the levels of total cholesterol, LDL and the atherogenicity coefficient (r=0.43, 0.49, 0.42 respectively, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Coronary artery calcium score is a valuable screening tool for identifying potential obstructive coronary artery disease, not only for individuals aged forty and above, but also for younger asymptomatic patients.

Ocular lesions in patients with ulcerative colitis.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To analyze the data and evaluate the prevalence of ocular lesions in patients with moderate ulcerative colitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: We observed 112 patients aged 18-75 years old with clinically, endoscopically and histologically confirmed moderate ulcerative colitis which lasted at least 6 months. An ophthalmologic exam was performed to determine the presence of ocular symptoms. RESULTS: Results: Of the 112 patients with moderate ulcerative colitis, 21 (18,75%) had the following ocular lesions: episcleritis - 7 patients (6,25%), keratopathy - 5 patients (4,46%), uveitis - 5 patients (4,46%), cataract - 2 (1,78%) and scleritis - 2 (1.78%). CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Because ocular symptoms in patients with UC are often nonspecific, it may be beneficial to perform ophthalmologic examinations as a routine follow-up component of in such patients.

IS FECAL CALPROTECTIN DETERMINATION USEFUL FOR PATIENTS WITH METABOLIC ASSOCIATED FATTY LIVER DISEASE?

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To investigate the possible relationship between fecal calprotectin (FC) level and ultrasound indicators of steatosis and fibrosis wich defined by attenuation coefficient (AC) and liver stiffness (LS) from two-dimensional (2D) shear-wave elastography (SWE) in patients with metabolically associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: The study included 110 persons with MAFLD; mean age 51.3±4.8 years, 65 (59.1%) men. There were used laboratory, sonography and statistical methods. RESULTS: Results: Stage S1 of steatosis was diagnosed in 42 (38.2%), S2 - in 56 (50.9%), S3 - only in 12 (10.9%) MAFLD patients. The carbohydrate metabolism disorders were found in 62 (56.4%); 38 (34.5%) patients among them suffered from type 2 diabetes. The lipid metabolism disorders were diagnosed in the vast majority of patients included in this study. The minimal excess of fecal calprotectin (FC) was detected in 72 MAFLD patients (65.5%), the moderate increase of FC was found in 12 persons, the FC more than 10-fold excess of the norm was observed in only 8 MAFLD patients. FC levels were significantly elevated in MAFLD patients with a S2-S3 compared to those with a S1 (75.8 [42.9-112.1] vs. 46.3 [28.2-65.4], p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Fecal calprotectin levels are significantly elevated in patients with MAFLD. Future studies are warranted to establish the definitive role and clinical utility of FC as a potential biomarker of probably liver steatosis as well as other diseases associated with methabolic syndrome and its complications.

AMBULATORY BLOOD PRESSURE VARIABILITY IN YOUNG ADULTS WITH LONG-COVID SYNDROME.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To perform an overall assessment of BP and BP variability using ambulatory measurements in young adults with long COVID syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: We enrolled young patients with diagnosed long-COVID syndrome (n = 58, mean age 23.07 ± 1.54 years), compared with an age-matched healthy subjects who had not suffered from COVID-19 (n = 57, mean age 22.9 ± 1.83 years). Patients with long-COVID syndrome had recovered from mild/moderate illness and none had required hospitalization. Ambulatory 24 hours blood pressure (AMBP) parameters (mean BP, daytime BP, nighttime BP, pulse pressure, nocturnal systolic BP dipping, dipper status) were measured in all participants. The variability of systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) values was assessed by the following common metrics, including the average real variability (ARV), the coefficient of variation (CV), the standard deviation (SD), and the weighed SD of SBP and DBP. RESULTS: Results: The average values of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure, mean BP, daytime and nighttime systolic BP, diastolic BP and pulse pressure were found to be significantly different among patients with long COVID syndrome and control group. Group analyses showed that this difference was in SBP mean values (127.1 ± 6.65 mmHg and 115.93 ± 6.24 mmHg respectively) and DBP mean values (73.31 ± 5.30 mmHg and 68.79 ± 5.5 mmHg respectively) mainly at night. PP values at daytime were almost similar among groups, but PP values at nighttime were higher in patients with long-COVID syndrome (53.8 (52.44- 55.14) mmHg and 47.14 (46.45 - 47.88) mmHg respectively). Nocturnal SBP dipping was better in control group than in patients with long-COVID syndrome ( 5.3 ± 5.68 and 3.1 ± 3.79 mmHg respectively). Only 13 (22.4%) patients with long-COVID syndrome had normal dip-per status while more than half - 38 (66.7%) in healthy subjects. The values of ARV of SBP and DBP over 24-hour, awake, and asleep time frames were found to be greater in patients with long COVID syndrome than healthy controls (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Patients with long- COVID syndrome have higher BP mean values of 24-hour ABPM particularly at nightime, significant blood pressure BP variability, which increases the risk of cardiovascular events in future. Nevertheless, the further prospective investigations is warranted to investigate the potential mechanisms and causality associations.

EFFECTS OF BIOLOGICAL THERAPY ON QUALITY OF LIFE AND PSYCHOEMOTIONAL STATUS OF PATIENTS WITH ULCERATIVE COLITIS.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To compare the effects of tofacitinib, adalimumab and budesonide on the quality of life and psychoemotional status of patients with moderate UC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The study included 104 patients with moderately severe UC aged between 18 and 75 years old. Patients were divided into 3 groups. Group I consisted of patients with UC treated with budesonide 9 mg 1 g / d (BUD; n = 34). Group II - of patients receiving adalimumab at an initial dose of 160 mg and 80 mg at week 2, followed by maintenance dose of 40 mg weekly (ADA; n = 38) and group III, who received tofacitinib 10 mg 2p / d (TOF; n = 32). Evaluation of quality of life and psycho-emotional status of patients was performed using IBDQ, SF-36 and MMRI questionnaires. RESULTS: Results: According to the IBDQ-questionnaire, all groups after treatment had a statistically significant increase in their results: BUD (from 146,44 ± 2,23 to 151,36 ± 2,40), ADA (from 144,28 ± 3,10 to 172,36 ± 3,12), TOF (from 149,22 ± 2, 86 to 184.36 ± 2.88), respectively, p <0.05. Also, after treatment statistically significant changes were seen in patients of all groups in regards to the psychological and physical components of the SF-36 scale. Analysis of the personality profile using MMRI of all groups of patients showed a change in scales 2 (depression), 3 (hysteria), 5 (tenderness-femininity), 6 (paranoia) and 0 (social introversion), which significantly improved in the ADA and TOF groups. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Tofacitinib and adalimumab in patients with nonspecific ulcerative colitis of moderate severity had a better effect on quality of life and psychoemotional status compared with budesonide treatment.

EFFECT OF PROLONGED TREATMENT WITH BIOLOGICAL THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH ULCERATIVE COLITIS WITH CONCOMITENT JOINT DAMAGE.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: Is to compare the effects of tofacitinib, adalimumab and budesonide clinical and laboratory signs of patients with moderate UC with concomitant articular syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: 100 patients with moderately severe UC. Patients were divided into 2 groups. The I group consisted of patients with UC, which were treated with tofacitinib 10mg bid (TOF; n=28). II group consisted of patients who were treated with adalimumab with a starting dose of 160 mg and 80 mg on the 2nd week of treatment, after which they received a subsequent dosage of 40 mg per week (ADA; n=32). Patients in the III group received budesonide 9mg qd (BUD; n=40). RESULTS: Results: As a result of treatment in the TOF research group, leukocyte and CRP levels decreased compared to readings before treatment (from 13.6±2.4*109/l and 1698 14.0±1.4mg/l to 10.6±1.2*109/l and 11.0±2.1 mg/l respectively, p<0.05). Hemoglobin levels in this group slightly increased (from 104.2±9.2 g/l to 126.1±10.2 g/l, p<0.05). Among ADA patients, there was also an improvement in laboratory signs: leukocyte and CRP levels decreased (from 13.8±2.8*109/l and 16.0±1.2 mg/l to 6.0±2.2*109 /l and 11.8±1.2 mg/l respectively, r<0.05), hemoglobin increased (from 103.8±8.2 g/l to 118.6±8.6 g/l/l r<0.05). CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Tofacitinib and adalimumab in the treatment of patients with ulcerative colitis of moderate severity with concomitant joint damage showed a higher clinical and laboratory effectiveness compared to treatment with budesonide.

Comparison of the effects of tofacitinib and adalimumab on transcolonoscopic ph and calprotectin levels in patients with ulcerative colitis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To investigate the transcolonoscopic pH-metry and calprotectin in patients with ulcerative colitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: the research included 110 patients both male and female between the ages of 18 to 75 years old, who were treated for UC of medium and severe activity, in active phase. All patients were divided into 3 groups. The first group received standard therapy (ST; n=50), the second group received adalimumab (ADA; n=32), and the third group was treated with tofacitinib (TOF; n=28). The control group consisted of healthy individuals between the ages of 18 and 65 years old. RESULTS: Results: UC patients had lower pH levels in all sections of the large intestine, compared to the control group (р<0,05). Calprotectin level is a better predictor of the course of the disease. CONCLUSION: Conclusions:Tofacitinib, compared to adalimumab and budesonide, has better influence on clinical, endoscopic and laboratory parameters of UC.

[Clinical and endoscopic efficacy of vedolizumab in patients with ulcerative colitis].

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic recurrent idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease that is characterized by a continuous or wave-like course with multifactorial etiopathogenesis. In recent decades, the number of patients with this pathology has been steadily increasing. Therefore, timely detection of UC at the diagnostic stage for the further qualified assistance providing is one of the most important tasks in modern gastroenterology. In recent years, a new group of drugs that can be an alternative to the surgical method of treatment has appeared. These are biological drugs, one of which is vedolizumab. The aim: to study the changes in clinical and endoscopic parameters in patients with ulcerative colitis, in response to the biological therapy with vedolizumab. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: 38 patients with ulcerative colitis were included in this study that lasted 52 weeks. 15 patients of the control group received standard therapy with 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA). 23 patients in the study group received the vedolizumab infusions. RESULTS: Results: Clinical response was observed in 16 (69.6%) and 23 (100.0%) patients of the study group at the 6th and 52nd weeks respectively. In control group the clinical response was present in 5 (33.3%) and 9 (60,0%) patients at the 6th and 52nd weeks respectively. Mucosal healing at the 52nd week was observed in 22 (95.7%) patients in the study group and 7 (46.7%) patients in the control group. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Patients who were treated with vedolizumab experienced significant improvement in clinical and endoscopic parameters 52 weeks after treatment initiation compared to the control group.