Impact of Venlafaxine on Platelet Count and Activity-Case Report and Narrative Review.

Venlafaxine (VEN) is considered to be one of the most effective antidepressants. It belongs to the group of serotonin (5-HT) and noradrenaline (NA) reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). NA and 5-HT have receptors on the surface of platelets and are involved in platelet aggregation. In this case study, we present the case of a patient treated for one of the types of myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), essential thrombocythemia (ET), in whom VEN was added to pharmacotherapy during the treatment of a severe episode of depression with psychotic symptoms. We observed a gradual reduction in platelet count when increasing the dose of VEN. We also present a narrative review of literature about the effect of VEN on platelet counts and activity. We conclude that, in the group of patients taking VEN, attention should be paid to the rare adverse effect of a decrease in the number of platelets.

Influence of Stabilization Techniques Used in the Treatment of Low Back Pain on the Level of Kinesiophobia.

The aim of this study was to try to compare the effectiveness of manual therapy techniques in combination with stabilization techniques: the so-called Australian method and the Neurac method in relation to pain sensations and the level of kinesiophobia. A total of 69 people were examined, divided into three groups of 23 people each. The Visual Analogue Scale was used to assess the antalgic effect, and the Kinesiophobia Causes Scale questionnaire was used to assess the level of kinesiophobia. Patients improved over four weeks, during which they were assessed three times. The evaluation of the desired parameters was also performed over a 24-week period to assess long-term performance. Stabilization techniques are an effective extension of manual therapy techniques in patients with low back pain. People in the groups additionally improved in terms of stabilization techniques, which are characterized by a lower level of kinesiophobia. Its lowest level was found in the group additionally improved with the Neurac method. In the long-term study, the level of kinesiophobia in this group was still maintained at a reduced level. The use of stabilization techniques involving patients in action may significantly affect the level of kinesiophobia, and thus have a much wider effect than just pain reduction.

Physical, Cognitive and Social Rehabilitation in Relation to Sleep Quality and Cognitive Functions in the Elderly.

The aim of the study was to assess cognitive functions and sleep quality after a 3-month holistic intervention including physical, social and cognitive rehabilitation in patients 65+. Twenty-nine people participated in the study. The study was divided into two stages. In the first stage, a self-administered questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic questions was used, and cognitive functions were assessed using the Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test, Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination III (ACE III) test, Montreal Cognitive Function Assessment Scale (MoCA) and digit repetition test. All patients were also assessed for sleep quality using the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS). After three months, the patients were assessed for cognitive functions and sleep quality, which was the second stage of the study. Analysis of the results obtained by patients in the study showed a statistically significant improvement in sleep quality and cognitive function. Rehabilitation activities, including physical training, cognitive exercises and occupational therapy, reduce the severity of mild cognitive disorders and reduce insomnia.

[Insomnia in shift workers of a zinc smelter]. / Bezsennosc u pracowników zmianowych huty cynku.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of insomnia among the employees of a zinc smelter in Miasteczko Slaskie using the Athens Insomnia Scale. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The examined group of plant employees and the control group were asked to fill in a questionnaire composed of the AIS and questions relating to the place and nature of their work, accidents over the last year, medications, diseases and conditions, sleep, naps and sleepiness during the day. RESULTS: The result leading to a diagnosis of insomnia as indicated by the AIS was found in significantly more instances in the test group than in the control group (29.5% vs. 8.4%). While comparing the test subgroup, which was not employed in shift-work, with the control group did not result in a statistically significant difference, slightly more respondents from the day-work test subgroup obtained the result of ≥ 8 pts. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of insomnia assessed by means of the AIS in the group of employees of a zinc smelter is significantly higher than in the control group. Based on the AIS, the highest percentage of individuals with insomnia occurred in the subgroup employed in shift-work. Med Pr. 2019;70(5):611-6.