Post-vaccination, post-infection and hybrid immunity against severe cases of COVID-19 and long COVID after infection with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants, Czechia, December 2021 to August 2023.

BackgroundCOVID-19 remains a major infectious disease with substantial implications for individual and public health including the risk of a post-infection syndrome, long COVID. The continuous changes in dominant variants of SARS-CoV-2 necessitate a careful study of the effect of preventative strategies.AimWe aimed to estimate the effectiveness of post-vaccination, post-infection and hybrid immunity against severe cases requiring oxygen support caused by infections with SARS-CoV-2 variants BA1/2 and BA4/5+, and against long COVID in the infected population and their changes over time.MethodsWe used a Cox regression analysis with time-varying covariates and calendar time and logistic regression applied to national-level data from Czechia from December 2021 until August 2023.ResultsRecently boosted vaccination, post-infection and hybrid immunity provide significant protection against a severe course of COVID-19, while unboosted vaccination more than 10 months ago has a negligible protective effect. The post-vaccination immunity against the BA1/2 or BA4/5+ variants, especially based on the original vaccine types, appears to wane rapidly compared with post-infection and hybrid immunity. Once infected, however, previous immunity plays only a small protective role against long COVID.ConclusionVaccination remains an effective preventative measure against a severe course of COVID-19 but its effectiveness wanes over time thus highlighting the importance of booster doses. Once infected, vaccines may have a small protective effect against the development of long COVID.

Using real-time ascertainment rate estimate from infection and hospitalization dataset for modeling the spread of infectious disease: COVID-19 case study in the Czech Republic.

We present a novel approach to estimate the time-varying ascertainment rate in almost real-time, based on the surveillance of positively tested infectious and hospital admission data. We also address the age dependence of the estimate. The ascertainment rate estimation is based on the Bayes theorem. It can be easily calculated and used (i) as part of a mechanistic model of the disease spread or (ii) to estimate the unreported infections or changes in their proportion in almost real-time as one of the early-warning signals in case of undetected outbreak emergence. The paper also contains a case study of the COVID-19 epidemic in the Czech Republic. The case study demonstrates the usage of the ascertainment rate estimate in retrospective analysis, epidemic monitoring, explanations of differences between waves, usage in the national Anti-epidemic system, and monitoring of the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions on Czech nationwide surveillance datasets. The Czech data reveal that the probability of hospitalization due to SARS-CoV-2 infection for the senior population was 12 times higher than for the non-senior population in the monitored period from the beginning of March 2020 to the end of May 2021. In a mechanistic model of COVID-19 spread in the Czech Republic, the ascertainment rate enables us to explain the links between all basic compartments, including new cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.

The association between duration of and indications for proton pump inhibitor use and risk of gastric polyps.

OBJECTIVES: The development of fundic gland polyps (FGPs) is the most common side effect of long-term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use; however, the effect of drug use characteristics and their impact on the risk of other gastric polyp development remain unclear. We aimed to identify the influence of PPI administration, as well as its duration and dose, in the development of gastric polyps. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted on consecutive patients who underwent gastroscopy between September 2017 and August 2019. Detailed characteristics of gastric polyps, Helicobacter pylori infection, and PPI use were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 2723 patients included, gastric polyps (75% FGPs, 22% hyperplastic) were detected in 16.4%, and 60% were prescribed PPI. The risk of FGPs and hyperplastic polyps according to the duration of PPI use were as follows: 2-5 years [odds ratio (95% confidence interval); 2.86 (2.00-4.11) and 2.82 (1.69-4.78)]; 6-9 years [7.42 (5.03-11.01) and 2.32 (1.05-4.78)]; ≥10 years [14.94 (10.36-21.80) and 3.52 (1.67-7.03)]. Multivariate analysis confirmed that the risk of FGPs was 17.16 (11.35-26.23) for ≥10 years of PPI use. Portal hypertension-related conditions were associated with hyperplastic polyps [4.99 (2.71-9.20)]. CONCLUSION: Duration of and indications for PPI use are the most predictive factors for the development of gastric polyps. Prolonged PPI use increases the risk of polyp development and the number of patients with polyps, which may burden endoscopic practice. Highly selected patients may require particular care despite minimal risk of dysplasia and bleeding generally.

Major iatrogenic bile duct injury during elective cholecystectomy: a Czech population register-based study.

PURPOSE: Bile duct injury (BDI) remains the most serious complication following cholecystectomy. However, the actual incidence of BDI in the Czech Republic remains unknown. Hence, we aimed to identify the incidence of major BDI requiring operative reconstruction after elective cholecystectomy in our region despite the prevailing modern 4 K Ultra HD laparoscopy and Critical View of Safety (CVS) standards implemented in daily surgical practice among the Czech population. METHODS: In the absence of a specific registry for BDI, we analysed data from The Czech National Patient Register of Reimbursed Healthcare Services, where all procedures are mandatorily recorded. We investigated 76,345 patients who were enrolled for at least a year and underwent elective cholecystectomy during the period from 2018-2021. In this cohort, we examined the incidence of major BDI following the reconstruction of the biliary tract and other complications. RESULTS: A total of 76,345 elective cholecystectomies were performed during the study period, and 186 major BDIs were registered (0.24%). Most elective cholecystectomies were performed laparoscopically (84.7%), with the remaining open (15.3%). The incidence of BDI was higher in the open surgery group (150 BDI/11700 cases/1.28%) than in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (36 BDI/64645 cases/0.06%). Furthermore, the total hospital stays with BDI after reconstruction was 13.6 days. However, the majority of laparoscopic elective cholecystectomies (57,914, 89.6%) were safe and standard procedures with no complications. CONCLUSION: Our study corroborates the findings of previous nationwide studies. Therefore, though laparoscopic cholecystectomy is reliable, the risks of BDI cannot be eliminated.

Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in relation to natural infection and vaccination between October 2020 and September 2021 in the Czech Republic: a prospective national cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Examine changes in SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity before and during the national vaccination campaign in the Czech Republic. DESIGN: Prospective national population-based cohort study. SETTING: Masaryk University, RECETOX, Brno. PARTICIPANTS: 22 130 persons provided blood samples at two time points approximately 5-7 months apart, between October 2020 and March 2021 (phase I, before vaccination), and between April and September 2021 (during vaccination campaign). OUTCOME MEASURES: Antigen-specific humoral immune response was analysed by detection of IgG antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein by commercial chemiluminescent immunoassays. Participants completed a questionnaire that included personal information, anthropometric data, self-reported results of previous RT-PCR tests (if performed), history of symptoms compatible with COVID-19 and records of COVID-19 vaccination. Seroprevalence was compared between calendar periods, previous RT-PCR results, vaccination and other individual characteristics. RESULTS: Before vaccination (phase I), seroprevalence increased from 15% in October 2020 to 56% in March 2021. By the end of phase II, in September 2021, prevalence increased to 91%; the highest seroprevalence was seen among vaccinated persons with and without previous SARS-CoV-2 infection (99.7% and 97.2%, respectively), while the lowest seroprevalence was found among unvaccinated persons with no signs of disease (26%). Vaccination rates were lower in persons who were seropositive in phase I but increased with age and body mass index. Only 9% of unvaccinated subjects who were seropositive in phase I became seronegative by phase II. CONCLUSIONS: The rapid increase in seropositivity during the second wave of the COVID-19 epidemic (covered by phase I of this study) was followed by a similarly steep rise in seroprevalence during the national vaccination campaign, reaching seropositivity rates of over 97% among vaccinated persons.

Does Pathological Complete Response after Neoadjuvant Therapy Influence Postoperative Morbidity in Rectal Cancer after Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision?

PURPOSE: It is still unclear if pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in patients treated for rectal cancer causes worse postoperative outcomes, especially after transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME). Worse postoperative outcomes might be an argument for an organ preserving watch and wait strategy in fragile patients and patients with comorbidities. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether patients treated for rectal cancer who had pCR to neoadjuvant therapy develop worse postoperative outcomes after TaTME than patients without complete response. METHODS: Comparative retrospective analysis (with nearest neighbor matching algorithm) of postoperative outcomes in two groups of patients, with pCR, n = 15 and without pCR (non-pCR), n = 57. All patients were operated on only by one surgical approach, TaTME, for middle and distal rectal tumors. All procedures were performed by one surgical team between 2014 and 2020 at the University Hospital Brno in Czech Republic. RESULTS: Overall morbidity was comparable between the groups (pCR group - 53.8% vs. non-pCR - 38.6%, p = 0.381). Anastomotic leak (AL) was observed in 33.3% of patients with pCR and in 17.5% of patients in the non-pCR group without statistical significance (p = 0.281). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, pathological complete response after neoadjuvant therapy does not appear to affect postoperative morbidity in rectal cancer after TaTME. Therefore, in patients with complete response who are not adherent to W&W surveillance, surgical resection can be perform without increased postoperative complications.

Protection provided by vaccination, booster doses and previous infection against covid-19 infection, hospitalisation or death over time in Czechia.

Studies demonstrating the waning of post-vaccination and post-infection immunity against covid-19 generally analyzed a limited range of vaccines or subsets of populations. Using Czech national health data from the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic till November 20, 2021 we estimated the risks of reinfection, breakthrough infection, hospitalization and death by a Cox regression adjusted for sex, age, vaccine type and vaccination status. Vaccine effectiveness against infection declined from 87% at 0-2 months after the second dose to 53% at 7-8 months for BNT162b2 vaccine, from 90% at 0-2 months to 65% at 7-8 months for mRNA-1273, and from 83% at 0-2 months to 55% at 5-6 months for the ChAdOx1-S. Effectiveness against hospitalization and deaths declined by about 15% and 10%, respectively, during the first 6-8 months. Boosters (third dose) returned the protection to the levels observed shortly after dose 2. In unvaccinated, previously infected individuals the protection against infection declined from 97% after 2 months to 72% at 18 months. Our results confirm the waning of vaccination-induced immunity against infection and a smaller decline in the protection against hospitalization and death. Boosting restores the original vaccine effectiveness. Post-infection immunity also decreases over time.

Nationwide increases in anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies between October 2020 and March 2021 in the unvaccinated Czech population.

Background: The aim of the nationwide prospective seroconversion (PROSECO) study was to investigate the dynamics of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in the Czech population. Here we report on baseline prevalence from that study. Methods: The study included the first 30,054 persons who provided a blood sample between October 2020 and March 2021. Seroprevalence was compared between calendar periods, previous RT-PCR results and other factors. Results: The data show a large increase in seropositivity over time, from 28% in October/November 2020 to 43% in December 2020/January 2021 to 51% in February/March 2021. These trends were consistent with government data on cumulative viral antigenic prevalence in the population captured by PCR testing - although the seroprevalence rates established in this study were considerably higher. There were only minor differences in seropositivity between sexes, age groups and BMI categories, and results were similar between test providing laboratories. Seropositivity was substantially higher among persons with history of symptoms (76% vs. 34%). At least one third of all seropositive participants had no history of symptoms, and 28% of participants with antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 never underwent PCR testing. Conclusions: Our data confirm the rapidly increasing prevalence in the Czech population during the rising pandemic wave prior to the beginning of vaccination. The difference between our results on seroprevalence and PCR testing suggests that antibody response provides a better marker of past infection than the routine testing program.

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography for Differential Diagnosis of Benign and Malignant Thyroid Lesions: Single-Institutional Prospective Study of Qualitative and Quantitative CEUS Characteristics.

Objectives: To extend and revise the diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) for differentiation between malignant and benign thyroid nodules. Methods: This single-institution prospective study aims to compare CEUS qualitative and objective quantitative parameters in benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Consecutive cohort of 100 patients was examined by CEUS, 68 out of them were further analysed in detail. All included patients underwent cytological and/or histopathological verification of the diagnosis. Results: Fifty-five (81%) thyroid nodules were benign, and 13 (19%) were malignant. Ring enhancement pattern was strongly associated with a benign aetiology (positive predictive value 100%) and heterogeneous enhancement pattern with malignant aetiology (positive predictive value 72.7%). The shape of the TIC (time-intensity curve) was more often identical in the benign lesion (98.2%) than in malignant lesions (69.2%), p=0.004. Conclusions: This study indicates that CEUS enhancement patterns were significantly different in benign and malignant lesions. Ring enhancement was a very strong indicator of benign lesions, whereas heterogeneous enhancement was valuable to detect malignant lesions.

Protection by Vaccines and Previous Infection Against the Omicron Variant of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2.

BACKGROUND: The Omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) evades immunity conferred by vaccines and previous infections. METHODS: We used a Cox proportional hazards model and a logistic regression on individual-level population-wide data from the Czech Republic to estimate risks of infection and hospitalization, including severe states. RESULTS: A recent (≤2 months) full vaccination reached vaccine effectiveness (VE) of 43% (95% confidence interval [CI], 42%-44%) against infection by Omicron compared to 73% (95% CI, 72%-74%) against Delta. A recent booster increased VE to 56% (95% CI, 55%-56%) against Omicron infection compared to 90% (95% CI, 90%-91%) for Delta. The VE against Omicron hospitalization of a recent full vaccination was 45% (95% 95% CI, 29%-57%), with a recent booster 87% (95% CI, 84%-88%). The VE against the need for oxygen therapy due to Omicron was 57% (95% CI, 32%-72%) for recent vaccination, 90% (95% CI, 87%-92%) for a recent booster. Postinfection protection against Omicron hospitalization declined from 68% (95% CI, 68%-69%) at ≤6 months to 13% (95% CI, 11%-14%) at >6 months after a previous infection. The odds ratios for Omicron relative to Delta were 0.36 (95% CI, .34-.38) for hospitalization, 0.24 (95% CI, .22-.26) for oxygen, and 0.24 (95% CI, .21-.28) for intensive care unit admission. CONCLUSIONS: Recent vaccination still brings substantial protection against severe outcome for Omicron.

What are the specifics of diabetic foot syndrome and why we need interdisciplinary recommendations for its diagnosis and treatment?

The care of patients with diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) requires interdisciplinary cooperation, and therefore interdisciplinary recommendations focused on the diagnosis and treatment and prevention of DFS are in place. We also need these recommendations because DFS has its own specifics that affect its diagnosis, therapy, but also the prognosis of patients. These include, for example, the different course of infection and PAD in patients with diabetes, the diagnosis of neuropathic Charcot osteoarthropathy, and the frequent association with end stage kidney disease, which worsens the course of SDN and increases its risk. Last but not least, the specifics of DFS include the issue of amputations with a significantly worse prognosis than in people without diabetes. The creation of an interdisciplinary team in foot clinics, providing comprehensive care for patients with DFS according to the recommended procedure, is associated with improved prognosis of patients with DFS, especially the reduction of amputations.

Incidence trends of esophageal cancer in the Czech Republic by histological subtype and stage and prescription rate of acid suppressing drugs.

BACKGROUND: Incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease has increased substantially in developed countries during the past decades. We aimed to analyze trends in incidence of esophageal cancer (EC) by histological subtypes and trends in acid suppressing drugs prescription in the Czech Republic. METHODS: The incidence of EC by histological subtypes, sex, and stage from 1984-2017 was examined using data from the Czech National Cancer Registry. Defined daily doses of acid inhibiting drugs were analyzed from annual reports by the State Institute for Drug Control. RESULTS: Age standardized incidence of EAC in men increased annually by 4.88 % with 95 % confidence interval (CI) (4.32, 5.45) from 1984 to 2017, and by 5.11 % (95 % CI, 4.02, 6.20) in women. Squamous cell carcinoma increased annually by 5.52 % (95 % CI, 2.49, 8.64) from 1984 to 1994 with subsequent slower increase by 0.87 % (95 % CI, 0.25, 1.50) from 1994 to 2017. It still represents 50 % of all EC in 2017. The comparable early stages of EAC showed similar annual percentage change of 5.77 %. From 2001 to 2018 the use of proton pump inhibitors increased dramatically from 6.8 to 72.9 defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants. CONCLUSION: The incidence of EAC is still increasing in the Czech Republic, however it represents less than half of ECs. The incidence of squamous cell carcinoma is relatively stable. Broad use of acid suppressing drugs did not seem to impact the incidence of EAC even in early stages.

Prospective evaluation of contrast-enhanced ultrasound of breast BI-RADS 3-5 lesions.

BACKGROUND: To determine the benefit of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the assessment of breast lesions. METHODS: A standardized contrast-enhanced ultrasound was performed in 230 breast lesions classified as BI-RADS category 3 to 5. All lesions were subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis. MVI (MicroVascular Imaging) technique was used to derive qualitative analysis parameters; blood perfusion of the lesions was assessed (perfusion homogeneity, type of vascularization, enhancement degree). Quantitative analysis was conducted to estimate perfusion changes in the lesions within drawn regions of interest (ROI); parameters TTP (time to peak), PI (peak intensity), WIS (wash in slope), AUC (area under curve) were obtained from time intensity (TI) curves. Acquired data were statistically analyzed to assess the ability of each parameter to differentiate between malignant and benign lesions. The combination of parameters was also evaluated for the possibility of increasing the overall diagnostic accuracy. Biological nature of the lesions was verified by a pathologist. Benign lesions without histopathological verification (BI-RADS 3) were followed up for at least 24 months. RESULTS: Out of 230 lesions, 146 (64%) were benign, 67 (29%) were malignant, 17 (7%) lesions were eliminated. Malignant tumors showed statistically significantly lower TTP parameters (sensitivity 77.6%, specificity 52.7%) and higher WIS values (sensitivity 74.6%, specificity 66.4%) than benign tumors. Enhancement degree also proved to be statistically well discriminating as 55.2% of malignant lesions had a rich vascularity (sensitivity 89.6% and specificity 48.6%). The combination of quantitative analysis parameters (TTP, WIS) with enhancement degree did not result in higher accuracy in distinguishing between malignant and benign breast lesions. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated that contrast-enhanced breast ultrasound has the potential to distinguish between malignant and benign lesions. In particular, this method could help to differentiate lesions BI-RADS category 3 and 4 and thus reduce the number of core-cut biopsies performed in benign lesions. Qualitative analysis, despite its subjective element, appeared to be more beneficial. A combination of quantitative and qualitative analysis did not increase the predictive capability of CEUS.

The Influence of Microscopic Inflammation at Resection Margins on Early Postoperative Endoscopic Recurrence After Ileocaecal Resection for Crohn's Disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The pathogenesis and risk factors for early postoperative endoscopic recurrence of Crohn's disease [CD] remain unclear. Thus, this study aimed to identify whether histological inflammation at the resection margins after an ileocaecal resection influences endoscopic recurrence. METHODS: We have prospectively followed up patients with CD who underwent ileocaecal resection at our hospital between January 2012 and January 2018. The specimens were histologically analysed for inflammation at both of the resection margins [ileal and colonic]. We evaluated whether histological results of the resection margins are correlated with endoscopic recurrence of CD based on colonoscopy 6 months after ileocaecal resection. Second, we assessed the influence of known risk factors and preoperative therapy on endoscopic recurrence of CD. RESULTS: A total of 107 patients were included in our study. Six months after ileocaecal resection, 23 patients [21.5%] had an endoscopic recurrence of CD. The histological signs of CD at the resection margins were associated with a higher endoscopic recurrence [56.5% versus 4.8%, p < 0.001]. Disease duration from diagnosis to surgery [p = 0.006] and the length of the resected bowel [p = 0.019] were significantly longer in patients with endoscopic recurrence. Smoking was also proved to be a risk factor for endoscopic recurrence [p = 0.028]. CONCLUSIONS: Histological inflammation at the resection margins was significantly associated with a higher risk of early postoperative endoscopic recurrence after an ileocaecal resection for CD.

Prognostic factors and seizure outcome in posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) in children with hematological malignancies and bone marrow failure: A retrospective monocentric study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate seizure outcome in children with hematological malignancies and PRES and to identify prognostic factors that could help manage the syndrome. METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed the report data of 21 patients diagnosed with hematological malignancy or aplastic anemia and PRES between 2008 and 2018. Basic demographic data, oncology treatment, presymptomatic hypertension before PRES manifestation, neurological status, seizure type, and EEG and MRI findings at PRES onset and at the one-year follow-up visit were studied. Patients who developed remote symptomatic seizures or epilepsy were identified. RESULTS: We included 21 children (11 females and 10 males) in the study. Sixteen patients (76.2%) were diagnosed with ALL and the rest individually with AML, CML, T-lymphoma, Burkitt lymphoma, and severe aplastic anemia. Presymptomatic hypertension (PSH) was evaluated in 19 patients and was present in 18 (94.7%). The duration was 9 h and more in 16 patients (88.8%); the severity was grade II in 12 patients (66.7%). Seizures as the initial symptom of PRES were present in 17 patients (80.9%). Four patients (19.0%) were assessed with remote symptomatic seizures. Two of them (9.5%) had ongoing seizures at the one-year follow-up visit and were diagnosed with epilepsy. The presence of gliosis on follow-up MRI indicated worse outcome with development of epilepsy (without statistical significance). CONCLUSIONS: PRES syndrome has an overall good prognosis and the evolution to epilepsy is rare. The severity and duration of PSH or seizure severity and EEG findings at PRES onsetwere not associated with worse neurological outcomes in this study.

Viewpoints of the target population regarding barriers and facilitators of colorectal cancer screening in the Czech Republic.

BACKGROUND: Public awareness of colorectal cancer (CRC) and uptake of CRC screening remain challenges. The viewpoints of the target population (asymptomatic individuals older than 50) regarding CRC screening information sources and the reasons for and against participation in CRC screening are not well known in the Czech Republic. This study aimed to acquire independent opinions from the target population independently on the health system. AIM: To investigate the viewpoints of the target population regarding the source of information for and barriers and facilitators of CRC screening. METHODS: A survey among relatives (aged 50 and older) of university students was conducted. Participants answered a questionnaire about sources of awareness regarding CRC screening, reasons for and against participation, and suggestions for improvements in CRC screening. The effect of certain variables on participation in CRC screening was analyzed. RESULTS: Of 498 participants, 478 (96%) respondents had some information about CRC screening and 375 (75.3%) had participated in a CRC screening test. General practitioners (GPs) (n = 319, 64.1%) and traditional media (n = 166, 33.3%) were the most common information sources regarding CRC screening. A lack of interest or time and a fear of colonoscopy or positive results were reported as reasons for non-participation. Individuals aged > 60 years [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.42-3.71), P = 0.001], females (aOR = 1.95, 95%CI (1.26-3.01) P = 0.003), and relatives of CRC patients (aOR = 4.17, 95%CI (1.82-9.58) P = 0.001) were more likely to participate in screening. Information regarding screening provided by physicians - GPs: (aOR = 8.11, 95%CI (4.90-13.41), P < 0.001) and other specialists (aOR = 4.19, 95%CI (1.87-9.38), P = 0.001) increased participation in screening. Respondents suggested that providing better explanations regarding screening procedures and equipment for stool capturing could improve CRC screening uptake. CONCLUSION: GPs and other specialists play crucial roles in the successful uptake of CRC screening. Reduction of the fear of colonoscopy and simple equipment for stool sampling might assist in improving the uptake of CRC screening.

Laryngeal mask airway Unique™ position in paediatric patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Laryngeal mask UNIQUE® (LMAU) is supraglottic airway device with good clinical performance and low failure rate. Little is known about the ideal position of the LMAU on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and whether radiological malposition can be associated with clinical performance (audible leak) in children. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate incidence of the radiologic malposition of the LMAU according to size. The secondary outcome was the clinical performance and associated complications (1st attempt success rate, audible leak) in LMAUs in correct position vs. radiologically misplaced LMAUs. METHODS: In prospective observational study, all paediatric patients undergoing MRI of the brain under general anaesthesia with the LMAU were included (1.9.2016-16.5.2017). The radiologically correct position: LMAU in hypopharynx, proximal cuff opposite to the C1 or C2 and distance A (proximal cuff end and aditus laryngis) ≤ distance B (distal cuff end and aditus laryngis). Malposition A: LMAU outside the hypopharynx. Malposition B: proximal cuff outside C1-C2. Malposition C: distance A ≥ distance B. We measured distances on the MRI image. Malposition incidence between LMAU sizes and first attempt success rate in trainees and consultant groups was compared using Fisher exact test, difference in incidence of malpositions using McNemar test and difference in leakage according to radiological position using two-sample binomial test. RESULTS: Overall 202 paediatric patients were included. The incidence of radiologically defined malposition was 26.2% (n = 53). Laryngeal mask was successfully inserted on the 1st attempt in 91.1% (n = 184) cases. Audible leak was detected in 3.5% (n = 7) patients. The radiologically defined malposition was present in 42.9% (n = 3) cases with audible leak. The rate of associated complications was 1.5% (n = 3): laryngospasm, desaturation, cough. In 4.0% (n = 8) the LMAU was soiled from blood. Higher incidence of radiological malposition was in LMAU 1.0, 1.5 and LMAU 3, 4 compared to LMAU 2 or LMAU 2.5 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Malposition was not associated with impaired clinical performance (audible leak, complications) of the LMAU or the need for alternative airway management. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov  (NCT02940652) Registered 18 October 18 2016.

Terminally differentiated memory T cells are increased in patients with common variable immunodeficiency and selective IgA deficiency.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies showed that several lymphocyte abnormalities seen in the most frequent symptomatic immunoglobulin deficiency, common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), were also observed in a genetically related asymptomatic disorder - selective IgA deficiency (IgAD). In this study we searched for abnormalities in the differentiation stages of T cells as well as for similarities of these abnormalities in CVID and IgAD patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using flow cytometry in 80 patients with IgAD, 48 patients with CVID, and 80 control persons we determined T-lymphocyte subsets: both CD4 and CD8 were divided into the naïve CD45RO-CD27+, early differentiated CD45RO+CD27+, late differentiated CD45RO+CD27- and fully differentiated effector CD45RO-CD27- memory T cells, as well as Treg cells, defined as CD4+CD25highCD127low T cells. RESULTS: An increase of CD4+ and CD8+ late differentiated memory cells was observed comparing CVID patients to controls, as well as comparing IgAD patients to controls. In CVID patients an increase of CD4+ early differentiated memory cells, a decrease of CD8+ intermediate memory cells, and CD4+ and CD8+ naïve cells were found as well. The abnormalities in IgAD patients might be explained by higher CMV seropositivity observed in our IgAD. We confirmed the repeatedly published decrease of Treg cells in CVID patients, while Treg cells in IgAD patients were increased compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show T-cell activation not only in CVID, but also in IgAD patients. The increase in IgAD patients may be influenced by a more frequent CMV infection in our group of IgAD patients.

Motion and emotion: anxiety-axial connections in Parkinson's disease.

Anxiety is a serious and frequent complication in Parkinson's disease (PD) that significantly affects the quality of life of patients. Multiple neuroanatomical, experimental, and clinical studies suggest its close association with axial disturbances. However, whether this relation applies for PD patients (commonly suffering from axial difficulties, such as balance and gait disturbance) has not been properly tested yet. The purpose of this study was to determine whether PD patients suffering from axial symptoms have higher levels of anxiety than others and to identify other factors associated with anxiety-axial connections. In this questionnaire study, 212 patients with PD were assessed by standardized scales, such as Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, examining their mood and cognitive status. These data were correlated to dominant motor symptoms of these patients, such as tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and axial symptoms. Unlike other motor symptoms, only axial symptoms showed to be significantly related to higher levels of anxiety. The patients suffering from anxiety and axial problems have also shown significantly higher depression levels. Axial disturbances are related to higher anxiety levels in PD patients. It is crucial to pay high attention to symptoms of anxiety in patients having postural instability or gait disorder. Further clinical studies are desirable to investigate new, practical implications of anxiety-axial connection to provide complex management options of these serious symptoms.