Iron deficiency, iron deficiency anaemia and anaemia of inflammation - an overview.

Iron is an essential trace element for various cellular proteins and for biological processes in all cells. Severe iron deficiency (ID) impairs haem synthesis, reduces erythropoiesis and causes iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). Iron restriction in anaemia of inflammation is mainly due to retention of iron in macrophages. This condition is known as 'functional iron deficiency'. A review of studies performed in Europe shows that the prevalence of ID and IDA in young children varies by region. It is more common in eastern than western European countries. This overview summarises information on the need for iron supplementation in children, and the current understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of iron homeostasis and ironrestricted erythropoiesis. The causes of anaemia during infection and the usefulness of classical and new indicators to distinguish absolute from functional iron deficiency are discussed.

The clinical efficacy and safety of outside-in transobturator sling with additional paraurethral fixation - The prospective longitudinal study.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common condition that affect 30-40% of women in their lifetime. Midurethral slings (MUS) either suprapubic or transobturator can be safely used in the surgical treatment of SUI. The aim of this study was to collect clinical long-term data regarding safety and performance of transobturator sling with an additional tape fixation in women with urinary incontinence. This prospective longitudinal study was conducted on a group of 2086 female patients diagnosed with stress urinary incontinence. Follow up visits where scheduled 6 weeks, 6 and 12 months after surgery followed by annual checking when possible. Patients underwent transobturator sling procedure from 01.01.2011 to 31.12.2021. All patients had a monofilament tape inserted at the mid-urethra using outside-in technique (TOT) with 2 absorbable sutures parallel to the urethra. Success of surgery was defined as lack of any leakage during cough stress test whereas the subjective cure rate was determined by Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-SF). 87% of patients who were operated at least 10 years before assessment reported ICIQ -SF < 6. Main postoperative complications were storage symptoms - de novo urgency and voiding difficulties. TOT is safe and highly effective surgical treatment for (SUI) in a long-term observation.

Femistina versus Canephron as a prevention of urinary tract infections after midurethral sling surgery - Non-inferiority study.

OBJECTIVE: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is relatively common post-operative complication following midurethral sling placement (MUS), even in cases where intraoperative antibiotic prophylaxis was given. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the non-inferiority of Femistina as compared with Canephron in reducing symptomatic UTI in first six months following surgery. STUDY DESIGN: A sample size of 144 patients per group was established, to provide at least 90% power to demonstrate the non-inferiority of phytodrug Femistina versus Canephron as a prevention of post-MUS urinary tract infection. RESULTS: Women suffering from stress urinary incontinence and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) with predominant SUI symptoms as confirmed by urodymamics (n = 320) were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to Femistina (40 mg, oral, twice daily for 20 days) or Canephron (3 × 5 ml taken orally-three times daily for 4 weeks). Both groups were homogenous for age, type of operation (only TOT outside-in) and severity of illness as indicated by ICIQ-SF questionnaire. We found that symptoms of UTI were significantly lower in patients receiving Femistina. During first 6 months after surgery UTI was confirmed in only 10 patients receiving Femistina (6,25%) when compared to 25 (15,63%) subjects receiving Canephron, p < 0.007. CONCLUSION: Femistina is not inferior to Canephron in preventing lower urinary tract infection after midurethral sling surgery.

A Randomized Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Effect of Canephron N in Comparison to Ciprofloxacin in the Prevention of Postoperative Lower Urinary Tract Infections after Midurethral Sling Surgery.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common reasons for antibiotic prescriptions among women worldwide. UTIs are also associated with intra- and postoperative catheterization, which is an essential component of many gynecological surgical procedures, including midurethral sling (MUS) placement. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of UTI subsequent to a MUS procedure. The study involved 562 female patients who underwent MUS procedures due to stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Patients were assigned in a 1:1 ratio to two study groups: patients receiving 500 mg of ciprofloxacin three times a day for 3 consecutive days after surgery or patients receiving 5 mL of Canephron taken orally three times a day for 3 weeks. After analyzing the collected data, it was found that in the group of patients receiving ciprofloxacin, 29 women (10.98%) had a UTI, whereas in the group of patients receiving Canephron, 36 women (13.64%) had a UTI within 6 months after the patient's MUS procedure. No statistically significant difference between the two groups was noted. Postoperative prophylaxis with a phytodrug can be perceived as an attractive option in the reduction of antibiotic consumption among female patients after a MUS procedure.

The Influence of Vaginal Native Tissue Repair (VNTR) on Various Aspects of Quality of Life in Women with Symptomatic Pelvic Organ Prolapse-A Prospective Cohort Study.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and the associated functional disorders are a major epidemiological problem that compromises the quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to POP and vaginal native tissue repair (VNTR) on QoL. Two hundred patients with symptomatic POP were stratified into four groups according to the dominant storage phase function disorders: Urgency; stress urinary incontinence (SUI); mixed urinary incontinence (MUI), and without clinically significant symptoms from lower urinary tract (LUT). They underwent VNTR from January 2018 to February 2019. After 12 months, the QoL was assessed by the Prolapse Quality of Life (P-QoL) and visual analogue scale (VAS) questionnaires. The data were analyzed with Statistica package version 12.0 (StatSoft, Krakow, Poland), using the Kalmogorow-Smirnoff, Shapiro-Wilk W and the one-way analysis of variance with post hoc Tukey tests. The results of P-QoL showed significant improvement (p < 0.05) in all the study groups in most domains assessed before surgery and 12 months after surgery. Significant improvements in all the symptoms assessed by the VAS scale results were found in groups Urgency and MUI. The LUTS questionnaire revealed significant improvement in all voiding and post voiding symptoms in these groups. VNTR effectively eliminated LUTS and significantly improved the patients' QoL associated with POP.

The Influence of Vaginal Native Tissues Pelvic Floor Reconstructive Surgery in Patients with Symptomatic Pelvic Organ Prolapse on Preexisting Storage Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS).

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of vaginal native tissue repair (VNTR) on preexisting Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) in women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Two hundred patients who underwent VNTR for symptomatic POP from January 2018 to February 2019 were followed up for 6 months. All patients underwent VNTR, but in the posterior compartment, the rectovaginal fascia was reconnected to the uterosacral ligaments and additionally sutured to the iliococcygeus fascia and muscle. To assess the severity and change in storage phase LUTS before and after surgery, all participants were asked to complete 3 questionnaires: the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire- Short Form (ICIQ-SF), Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6), and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 (IIQ-7). The data were assessed with Statistica package version 12.0, using Kalmogorow-Smirnoff, W Shapiro-Wilk tests. Furthermore, one-way analysis of variance was applied with post-hoc Tukey test. The study results indicate that the majority of patients with advanced POP suffered from various LUTS. Among storage symptoms, the occurrence of urinary incontinence (UI) and urgency decreased significantly after surgery. Moreover, ICIQ-SF, UDI-6, and IIQ-7 results showed statistically significant improvement in the impact of UI on the quality of life (QoL) in the vast majority of patients after surgery. VNTR is an effective way to treat not only anatomical, but also functional problems in such patients.

Does Pharmacological Treatment Reduce the Incidence of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) after Transobturator Sling?

AIM: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) frequently affect patients immediately after midurethral sling (MUS) placement. The objective of the study was to assess if solifenacin or mirabegron decreases incidence of LUTS in women who underwent transobturator MUS. METHODS: A prospective randomized trial was conducted on patients undergoing ambulatory transobturator midurethral sling due to stress urinary incontinence (SUI). All participants were questioned before and after surgery for occurrence of bothersome LUTS. A total of 328 patients who underwent transobturator MUS were randomly assigned to one of three groups: prophylaxis with 10 mg of solifenacin, prophylaxis with 50 mg of mirabegron, or without any additional treatment. LUTS evolution and efficacy of solifenacin and mirabegron were analyzed based on results of assessments made during follow-up visits at 1 and 6 weeks after surgery. Comparison of the prevalence of LUTS was done using chi2 test. RESULTS: Prevalence of urgency and frequency episodes increased notably 1 week after sling placement and then came down to baseline levels. Solifenacin and mirabegron significantly reduced the incidence of urgency after 1 week, but after 6 weeks the beneficial effect was observed only in case of solifenacin. Treatment with mirabegron reduced the percentage of patients suffering from frequency after 6 weeks. Although prevalence of nocturia did not raise after sling placement, both treatments significantly reduced the incidence of this complaint after 6 weeks. Pharmacological treatment did not modulate the course of hesitancy and terminal dribbling. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with solifenacin or mirabegron may significantly reduce the incidence of undesired LUTS after MUS.

Inhibition of Rho kinase by GSK 269962 reverses both corticosterone-induced detrusor overactivity and depression-like behaviour in rats.

Literature data give clear evidence that upregulated RhoA/Rho-kinase signalling is one of the factors that may lead to the development of detrusor overactivity and various disorders of the central nervous system. Therefore, the main objective of our study was to investigate whether administration of a Rho-kinase inhibitor - GSK 269962 could reverse corticosterone-induced depressive-like behaviour and changes in cystometric parameters associated with detrusor overactivity, as well as undo the alterations of several biomarkers related to both disorders (i.e., pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokines and neurotrophins) in serum, urinary bladder, and different brain structures. The experiments were carried out on female Wistar rats. Surgical procedures, cystometric investigations, biochemical analyses, and behavioural studies (measurement of the locomotor activity and the forced swim test) were performed according to the published literature. As expected, administration of corticosterone at a daily dose of 20 mg/kg for 14 days increased the immobility time of animals in the forced swim test, induced changes in the cystometric parameters specific to bladder overactivity, reduced levels of neurotrophins, and elevated concentrations of the pro-inflammatory cytokines. Inhibition of Rho-kinase by 7-day treatment with GSK 269962 (10 mg/kg/day) reversed the symptoms of both detrusor overactivity and depression as well as normalized levels of the tested biomarkes. Our findings encourage the idea of Rho-kinase inhibitors as a potential future treatment option for overactive bladder accompanied by depression.

Hepcidin and iron status in pregnant women and full-term newborns in first days of life.

OBJECTIVES: The amount of iron is regulated by hepcidin. The aim of the study was to assess hepcidin concentrations in healthy pregnant women before delivery, in cord blood, and in 3-day-old newborns in relation to maternal and neonatal iron status. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 44 mother-newborn pairs. Serum concentrations of hepcidin, ferritin, and transferrin receptor (sTfR) were assessed. RESULTS: Maternal hepcidin was significantly lower than cord blood (p < 0.001), and full-term newborn values (p < 0.001). Mothers also had the lowest ferritin and sTfR concentrations. The highest concentration of hepcidin was observed in the newborns. They had lower sTfR and higher ferritin concentrations than in cord blood (p < 0.001). Maternal ferritin correlated negatively with sTfR (R = -0.50 p = 0.005), and positively with hepcidin (R = 0.41; p = 0.005). There were no correlations between hepcidin and ferritin or sTfR concentrations in cord blood, nor between hepcidin and ferritin or sTfR concentrations in the newborns. Moreover, there were no correlations between maternal and cord blood or neonatal blood hepcidin, nor between maternal hepcidin and infant iron status. There were also no correlations between hepcidin in cord blood and hepcidin or parameters of the iron status in the children. CONCLUSIONS: It may be assumed that a relatively low concentration of hepcidin in women in late pregnancy facilitates their iron accumulation. Higher levels of hepcidin in full-term newborns than in their mothers may be the result of a relatively high level of iron from the stored supplies. Neonatal iron status was independently associated with either maternal or cord blood hepcidin.

[Indications for hospitalization of young girls and adolescent girls--clinical work-up in the selected cases]. / Wskazania ginekologiczne do hospitalizacji dziewczynek i mlodych kobiet--postepowanie w wybranych przypadkach klinicznych.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze the clinical reasons for hospitalization due to gynecological causes of adolescent girls and young women. METHODS: We reviewed clinical data on reasons for hospitalization, treatment methods, and histopathological diagnosis in adolescent girls and young women hospitalized at the Second Department of Gynecology Medical University of Lublin, between January 2003 and December 2012. Methods of conservative or surgical treatment, as well as their clinical effectiveness, have been discussed. RESULTS: Over the analyzed period of time, we identified 334 patients at the age between 8 and 20 years, which accounted for 1.61% of all hospitalized women during that time. Rating these patients by age, we found the following: 1 patient < 9 years old, 2 patients aged 10-11 years, 38 patients aged 12-14 years, 128 patients aged 15-17 years and 165 patients aged 17-19 years old. The main clinical reasons for hospitalization of adolescents and young women due to gynecological causes were: ovarian cysts (138 cases; 41.3%), menstrual disorders (46 cases; 13.7%), pregnancy complications (35 cases; 10.5%), and congenital Müllerian anomalies (33 cases; 9.9%). The remaining patients (24.6%) were admitted due to suspicion of ovarian cyst (22 cases; 6.6%), cervical erosion (15 cases; 4.5%), juvenile metrorrhagia (15 cases; 4.5%), and vulvar diseases (8 cases; 2.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent girls and young women are rarely admitted to gynecological departments. Nevertheless, they present a clinical challenge. Proper diagnosis using advanced visualization methods, along with modern pharmacotherapy accounts for the final therapeutic success.

[The influence of mesh pelvic floor reconstructive surgery on OAB symptoms]. / Wplyw operacji naprawczych zaburzen statyki narzadu rodnego na redukcje objawów zespolu pecherza nadreaktywnego.

OBJECTIVES: The working hypothesis was that pelvic organs prolapse can induce overactive bladder symptoms. Therefore, restoration of pelvic anatomy with accompanying proper urodynamic parameters (cystometric volume, micturition volume, uroflow) should resolve OAB (Overactive Bladder) symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty eight women, aged 51-77 years (mean 62.4±7.32), with stage II, III or IV prolapse (POP-Q scale) were included into the study. Patients with LUTS (Lower Urinary Tract Symtoms--inflammation, infection, pain) were excluded. Each patient underwent clinical evaluation and full urodynamic examination (cystometry and uroflowmetry MMS Libra +). Depending on the type of the anatomical defect on the POP-Q scale--anterior defect, posterior defect or both anterior and posterior--a repair using polypropylene monofilament mesh was performed (TVM anterior, TVM posterior or TVM Total). Patients were asked to complete King's Health questionnaire before and after the reconstructive surgery. Statistical analysis was performed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov and U Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: Overactive bladder symptoms were diagnosed in 27 patients. Detrusor overactivity was found in 10 patients. In 17 patients, out of 27 with OAB before surgery overactivity symptoms completely resolved after the surgery (63%). On the other hand, post-op de novo OAB symptoms appeared in 2 patients (4.1%). Half of the patients with OAB symptoms after surgery had detrusor overactivity before mesh repair while only 30% of patients without OAB symptoms after surgery had DO (Detrusor Overactivity) before the surgical procedure. Micturition volume in group of patients with OAB significantly increased after the surgery (293.78 ml vs. 364.15 ml; p=0.006). Maximal cystometric capacity in patients with overactive bladder also significantly increased after the surgery (318.78 ml vs. 407 ml; p=0.0001). Quality of life measured by King's questionnaire improved in the group of patients with resolution of OAB symptoms in such domains as: Incontinence Impact, Role Limitations and Sleep/emotions, p<0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Correction of pelvic organ prolapse stage II, III and IV in patients with OAB symptoms leads to an improvement in bladder conditions in half of the patients. Such treatment also resulted in symptom resolution of detrusor overactivity ascertained in urodynamic studies. Overactive bladder syndrome with DO was more resistant to surgical treatment as compared to OAB without DO. Quality of life improved in patients who did not present with OAB bladder symptoms after the mesh surgery. Restoration of proper anatomy might also cure or improve bladder symptoms in patients with OAB symptoms, coexisting with advanced pelvic organ prolapse.

Does a midurethral sling inserted at the time of pelvic organ prolapse mesh surgery increase the rate of de novo OAB? A prospective longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVES: Approximately 20% of women suffer from pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Furthermore, POP and overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms often coexist. Midurethral slings and mesh surgeries are both considered to be risk factors for de novo OAB symptoms. The aim of our study was to determine whether simultaneous midurethral sling insertion at the time of pelvic organ prolapse mesh surgery further increases the risk of de novo OAB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 234 women who underwent surgery in our department between August 2007 and October 2009 (114 patients underwent surgery because of coexisting POP and SUI, and 120 underwent surgery because POP alone). The patients were evaluated at follow-up visits scheduled after 6-8 weeks and after 12 months. All women underwent surgery using the Gynecare Prolift Pelvic Floor Repair System, whereas in women with additional overt or occult SUI after restoration of the pelvic anatomy monofilament midurethral slings were simultaneously inserted. The chi-squared test was used to compare the study groups. RESULTS: De novo OAB symptoms were significantly more pronounced among women in the Prolift only surgery group (23.3%) compared to the Prolift with IVS04M group (10.5%; p = 0.0093). CONCLUSIONS: Midurethral sling insertion at the time of pelvic organ prolapse surgery significantly decreases the rate of postoperative de novo OAB symptoms. The lack of anatomical success of the mesh-based reconstructive surgery is a risk factor for the development of de novo OAB symptoms.

[Clinical effectiveness of transobturator midurethral sling (T-sling) with additional 2-point tape fixation performed on an outpatient and inpatient basis]. / Ocena efektywnosci klinicznej operacji typu T-Sling z fiksacja tasmy wykonywanej w ramach procedury jednodniowej i standardowej.

INTRODUCTION: Nowadays, mid-urethral slings are considered the gold standard in surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Traditionally this technique has been followed by short inpatient hospitalization and convalescence. From the perspective of both, the patient and the physician, this technique has become increasingly popular due to very high clinical effectiveness and fast recovery ' OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of transobturator monofilament sling (T-sling-Hernia Mesh, Italy) with additional 2-point tape fixation in the treatment of SUI in women operated on an inpatient and outpatient basis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 200 women with stress urinary incontinence were included into the study Clinical diagnosis was based on detailed medical history voiding diary gynecological examination, and positive cough test. Exclusion criteria were as follows: previous urogynecologic surgery detrusor overactivity on urodynamics and advanced urogenital prolapse (pelvic organ prolapse-quantification [POP-Q] scale grades--II, III, IV). In both groups the surgery was performed by two (TR; A W) surgeons. Using identical surgical technique, all patients had a monofilament tape inserted at the mid-urethra with 2 absorbable sutures parallel to the urethra in order to fix the tape and prevent its displacement during tape tensioning. Patients were discharged home after the first spontaneous voiding (outpatient group) or 2 days (inpatient group) postoperatively After 12 months, 192 patients (99 in outpatient and 93 in inpatient group) were available for assessment of clinical effectiveness of surgery Success was defined as lack of any leakage during cough stress test. The subjective cure rate was determined by Sandvik scale also after 12 months. Statistical analysis was performed with Statistica 7.1 pl and Mann-Whitney U and Chl tests were used. P-level of < or = 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: There were no differences in demographical data of patients from both groups. The only difference between the two groups concerned the body mass index (mean 26.6 +/- 3.9 vs. 28.67 +/- 3.99; p<0.001) and age (50.48 +/- 9.71 vs. 61.7 +/- 9.2; p<0.001) in the outpatient versus inpatient group, respectively There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the overall patients satisfaction and cure rate after the 12-month follow-up (chi2=4.039, p=0.133). CONCLUSIONS: Proper surgical technique but not length of hospitalization is the main factor determining the effectiveness of surgical treatment of SUI. Tape fixation is a simple surgical maneuver that ensures proper sling placement at mid-urethra and does not markedly increase procedure duration or cost of the treatment. Outpatient surgery for SUI using transobturator mid-urethral sling ensures the same cure and satisfaction rates as inpatient orocedure. allowing to reduce the cost of the treatment without compromising clinical effectiveness.

[Gynecological aspects of allogenic stem cell transplantation--incidence, risk factors and preventive strategies--description of two clinical cases and literature review]. / Ginekologiczne problemy zwiazane z transplantacja szpiku--czestosc wystepowania, czynniki ryzyka i zalecenia lecznicze--opis dwóch przypadków i przeglad literatury.

Vaginal graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a rather common and underreported complication of allergenic stem cell transplantation. It occurs in approximately 25% of all women undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In severe manifestation, GVHD might cause complete obliteration of the vagina which requires surgical intervention. In this paper we described 2 cases with complete obliteration of the vagina. We present a case report of 2 women (both 38 years old) diagnosed with complete vaginal obliteration after myeloablative chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant. Both patients were operated at the Second Department of Gynecology Lublin. During the operation we reconstructed the entire vaginal length using either sharp or blunt dissection until the cervix was visualized. Immediately after the reconstruction, we placed a phantom within the vaginal canal for 7 days in order to separate the vaginal wall and prevent the formation of new adhesions. Both patients received antibiotic prophylaxis for 5 days, as well as ointment with Cyclosporine twice a day since postoperative day 2, and 50 microg estrogen transdermal patch every 4 days. The patients were discharged from the hospital on postoperative day 7 and were recommended to use cyclosporine ointment twice a day and intra-vaginal tablets with Estrogen every 3 days. After 6 weeks a follow up revealed complete healing of the vaginal canal and both patients resumed uneventful sexual intercourses. A literature review of preventive strategies for vaginal GVHD was also presented.

Self-perceived quality of life after pelvic organ prolapse reconstructive mesh surgery: prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the self-perceived quality of life in women with advanced pelvic organ prolapse before and after mesh surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (stage III-IV according to pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q)) were invited to participate in the study. All enrolled patients underwent prolapse surgery using the transvaginal mesh technique. Success was defined as ICS POP-Q stage 0 and I. The SF36v2 questionnaire was used as a subjective outcome measure. RESULTS: 113 patients were available for follow-up at 6-8 weeks and 16-18 months. Overall anatomic success rates were 87.6%. Statistically significant improvements in the self-perceived quality-of-life were found in 3 individual domains (general health (GH), vitality (V) and mental health (MH)) and in one summary domain (MCS) at 6-8 weeks post-op. In one individual and one summary domain (role - physical (RP) and physical component summary (PCS)) the scores were significantly lower. At the end of the study statistically significant improvement was observed in four out of eight individual domains (vitality (V), menthal health (MH), physical functioning (PF), social functioning (SF)) as well as in both summary scores (PCS and MCS). CONCLUSIONS: Reconstructive mesh surgery improved significantly various self-perceived quality of life dimensions. Therefore, women should expect significant improvement in their general quality of life after this type of operation. The assessment of urogenital well-being should be a routine attitude when counseling menopausal women.

The differences in T and B cell subsets in thyroid of children with Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

BACKGROUND: The differences between Graves' disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) suggest that changes in the subsets of T cells may have an influence on the course of these reactions. METHODS: This study included 90 children: 30 with GD, 30 with HT, and 30 healthy children as controls. After thyroidectomy, standard histological examinations and immunohistochemical reactions were performed in paraffin specimens with monoclonal antibodies against T cell markers CD3, CD4, CD8 as well as against CD79 alpha B cells. Ultrathin sections were examined under a transmission electron microscope. RESULTS: Autoimmune reaction in GD consisted of an increased number of CD4+ T cells (3.17±4.27%) and plasma cells (22.89±8.61%) producing thyroidstimulating hormone-receptors and stimulating thyrocytes to activity. The number of CD8+ T cells was increased in children with HT (20.54±0.68%) as compared with the controls (0.65±0.30%). The autoimmune reaction in the HT children showed antibody dependent cytotoxicity with a low number of CD4+ T cells and an increased number of CD8+ T cells in the thyroid tissue in comparison with that in the GD children and the controls. Plasma cells (31.65±9.11%) in this situation produced the antibodies involved in cytotoxic reactions against thyrocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Graves' disease is characterized by the increased number of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is characterized by the low number of CD4+ T cells and increased number of CD8+ T cells. CD8+ T cells have cytotoxic properties only in Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

[Bloody nipple discharge in an 3,5-month-old boy]. / Wyciek krwistej wydzieliny z gruczolów sutkowych u 3,5-miesiecznego chlopca.

Bloody nipple discharge in an infant is a distressing finding both for parents and the pediatrician who consults the baby. In adults the bleeding can be associated with breast carcinoma, especially when it is unilateral. In infants breast carcinoma are extremely rare. Usually, the bleeding is a benign process, but that does not mean that the children with this symptom should not be diagnosed and controlled. This paper reports a 3,5-month-old boy with bilateral bloody nipple discharge. Additionally, it presents previously described cases of bleeding from the nipples in children and proposed diagnostic approach.

[Nerve growth factor as a biomarker in the diagnosis and treatment of overactive bladder (OAB)]. / Czynnik wzrostu nerwów (NGF) jako biomarker w diagnostyce i terapii peccherza nadreaktywnego (OAB).

Nerve growth factor is a complex regulator of neural plasticity along the micturition pathways. The aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence for a role of NGF in urinary bladder function both in experimental and clinical settings. There is bulk of strong evidence that experimental administration of NGF elicits the symptoms of increased sensation, urgency and bladder hyperreflexia which strongly resemble overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) and interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS). Therefore in human studies there are attempts to employ urinary NGF levels as a diagnostic marker in various forms of OAB and IC/PBS. It has been shown that urinary NGF levels are correlated with severity of OAB symptoms and in patients successfully treated with antimuscarinics agents or detrusor botulinum toxin injection, urinary NGF levels decrease significantly in association with reduction of urgency severity

Transvaginal Prolift(®) mesh surgery due to advanced pelvic organ prolapse does not impair female sexual function: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate sexual function among women with advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP) before and after Prolift(®) vaginal reconstructive mesh surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Assessments were performed preoperatively and 12-18 months after the surgery, including physical examination using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) scale as well as the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. RESULTS: Fifty-nine sexually active patients who underwent vaginal reconstructive surgery due to advanced POP between June 2008 and January 2010 were included in the study. Analysis of the FSFI questionnaire showed no statistically significant differences after surgery, despite proper anatomical results. When comparing the group of women who underwent additional surgical restoration of the perineal body with patients without this procedure we also did not observe any differences in FSFI scores. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment of advanced POP with the Prolift(®) system does not negatively influence sexual function, but patients should not expect a significant improvement after this type of operation. Additionally performed surgical restoration of perineal body does not reduce sexual function, either.

[Local estrogen therapy--clinical implications--2012 update]. / Lokalna terapia estrogenowa--implikacje kliniczne--2012 update.

With increasing longevity in Poland, women can now expect to live around 40% of their lives after menopause, and there is a growing desire for older women to preserve their vitality sexual function and quality of life. The most common urogenital symptoms associated with menopause are dryness, followed by irritation or itching, and discharge, with a substantial number of post-menopausal women also being affected by dysuria. These symptoms are the result of vaginal atrophy which is in turn caused by reduced transudation through the vaginal epithelium and reduced cervical gland secretions resulting from post-menopausal estrogen depletion. Vaginal atrophy generally occurs 4-5 years after the last menstrual period and progressively increases in prevalence in the subsequent years. Importantly vaginal atrophy is strongly associated with sexual dysfunction, and lower urinary tract symptoms, such as frequency urgency nocturia and dysuria, as well as incontinence and recurrent infection are reported more frequently in the presence of vaginal atrophy Those symptoms, apart from being bothersome for the patients also negatively impact their quality of life. Consequently before irreversible changes occur, early detection and treatment of vaginal atrophy should be implemented. Estrogen therapy is the most commonly prescribed treatment. Estrogens restore the cytology pH and vascularity of the vagina, resulting in symptom resolution for the majority of treated women. Because vaginal atrophy symptoms tend to occur later than vasomotor symptoms, many women do not necessarily require or wish to take systemic estrogen treatment if their symptoms are restricted to the urogenital tract. Vaginal estrogen products deliver estrogen locally to vaginal tissues with little or no systemic absorption and provide an effective alternative to systemic estrogen therapy for these women. Various vaginal estrogen preparations such as conjugated equine estrogens, estradiol and estriol vaginal creams, a sustained-release intra-vaginal estradiol ring and a low-dose estradiol and estriol tablets are useful therapeutic options in the treatment of this condition. Moreover; a low dose treatment with a minimised systemic absorption rate may be considered in women with a history of breast cancer and associated severe vulvovaginal atrophy. It should be mentioned that vaginal lubricants once applied on a regular basis may also be effective in alleviating the symptoms of vaginal atrophy and should be offered to women wishing to avoid the use of local vaginal estrogen preparations and in cases where local estrogen therapy is contraindicated. Vaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), vaginal testosterone, and tissue selective estrogen complexes are new, emerging therapies; however more clinical studies are necessary to confirm their efficacy and safety in the treatment of postmenopausal vulvovaginal atrophy.