COVID-19 associated Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome (PIMS) in children.

The clinical course of the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection (COVID-19 disease) in paediatric patients is predominantly mild. However, in a small percentage of paediatric patients, the COVID-19 could lead to the development of with the Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome (PIMS) presenting as high fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, neurological symptomatology and even as multiorgan dysfunction. These three cases represent the first published report of critically ill paediatric patients with PIMS in the Czech Republic.

The role of cannabinoids in the treatment of cancer.

AIM: The aim of this review article is to summarize current knowledge about the role of cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors in tumor disease modulation and to evaluate comprehensively the use of cannabinoids in cancer patients. METHOD: According to the PRISMA protocol, we have included data from a total of 105 articles. RESULTS: Cannabinoids affect cancer progression by three mechanisms. The most important mechanism is the stimulation of autophagy and affecting the signaling pathways leading to apoptosis. The most important mechanism of this process is the accumulation of ceramide. Cannabinoids also stimulate apoptosis by mechanisms independent of autophagy. Other mechanisms by which cannabinoids affect tumor growth are inhibition of tumor angiogenesis, invasiveness, metastasis, and the modulation of the anti-tumor immune response. CONCLUSION: In addition to the symptomatic therapy of cancer patients, the antitumor effects of cannabinoids (whether in monotherapy or in combination with other cancer therapies) have promising potential in the treatment of cancer patients. More clinical trials are needed to demonstrate the antitumor effect of cannabinoids (Tab. 1, Fig. 1, Ref. 167).

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy - epidemiology, immune response, clinical differences, treatment.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a severe disease of the central nervous system with very high mortality. It is caused by the JC virus with high seroprevalence, at up to 80%. Development of PML is typically opportunistic, particularly in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and usually affects patients with profound immunodeficiency. Furthermore, as a result of highly efficient immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory treatments in recent years, the number of PML cases has increased in the general population. In this article, the authors mention virological and epidemiological relationships and characteristic manifestations of PML. Possible relationships of humoral and cellular immunity are discussed and limited treatment options including prophylaxis are mentioned.

Syndrome and outcome of antibody-negative limbic encephalitis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim was to report the clinical characteristics of 12 patients with limbic encephalitis (LE) who were antibody-negative after a comprehensive immunological study. METHODS: The clinical records of 163 patients with LE were reviewed. Immunohistochemistry on rat brain, cultured neurons and cell-based assays were used to identify neuronal autoantibodies. Patients were included if (i) there was adequate clinical, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and magnetic resonance imaging information to classify the syndrome as LE, (ii) magnetic resonance images were accessible for central review and (iii) serum and CSF were available and were confirmed negative for neuronal antibodies. RESULTS: Twelve (7%) of 163 LE patients [median age 62 years; range 40-79; 9 (75%) male] without neuronal autoantibodies were identified. The most frequent initial complaints were deficits in short-term memory leading to hospital admission in a few weeks (median time 2 weeks; range 0.5-12). In four patients the short-term memory dysfunction remained as an isolated symptom during the entire course of the disease. Seizures, drowsiness and psychiatric problems were unusual. Four patients had solid tumors (one lung, one esophagus, two metastatic cervical adenopathies of unknown primary tumor) and one chronic lymphocytic leukemia. CSF showed pleocytosis in seven (58%) with a median of 13 white blood cells/mm3 (range 9-25). Immunotherapy included corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulins and combinations of both drugs or with rituximab. Clinical improvement occurred in six (54%) of 11 assessable patients. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the discovery of new antibodies, 7% of LE patients remain seronegative. Antibody-negative LE is more frequent in older males and usually develops with predominant or isolated short-term memory loss. Despite the absence of antibodies, patients may have an underlying cancer and respond to immunotherapy.

Comparison of incisional and epidural analgesia in the treatment of postoperative pain after cesarean section.

OBJECTIVE: Comparison of incisional and epidural analgesia in the treatment of postoperative pain after cesarean sectio. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study in the period from 2015 to 2016. SETTING: Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Masaryk University, University Hospital Brno. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The group included 72 patients in the 38th-41st. week of pregnancy. They were divided at the time of indication to the cesarean section (SC) into two groups according to the selected type of analgesia (epidural/incisional). Women with epidural analgesia (EA) received bupivacaine and sufentanil after surgery in the epidural catheter. A second group was patients during general anesthesia SC introduced into the surgical wound IA Painfusor which was continuously administered bupivacaine. The intensity of the patients pain was evaluated on the visual analogue scale (VAS). If the VAS exceeded 4, the dose of the opioid analgesic piritramide (additional dose of DDA analgesic) was administered intravenously. The intensity of pain and the number of DDAs required were evaluated 24 hours after SC. Satisfaction with pain relief, sleep quality, and patient side effects were assessed using a questionnaire. RESULTS: Patients in the EA group (n = 36) evaluated postoperative pain (PB) value of 4.4 ± 1.8 according to VAS, women in group IA (n = 36) reported a PB according to VAS of 4.4 ± 1.3 (p = 0.972). The difference in the number of applied DDA was not statistically significant compared groups (2.3 ± 0.9 EA vs. 2.4 ± 0.9 IA, p = 0.301). By comparing the other parameters evaluated by the questionnaire statistically significant more vertigo cases were found in women with IA (22.2% EA vs. 72.2% IA, p < 0.001). In the other evaluated parameters the differences between the two methods were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Epidural and incisional analgesia are comparable methods in the effectiveness of pain management during the first day of the cesarean section. Except for vertigo, both methods were also comparable in terms of the occurrence of undesirable effects.

[Scheuermann's Hyperkyphosis - Posterior-Only Surgical Approach Using the Smith-Petersen Osteotomies]. / Scheuermannova hyperkyfóza ­ operacní lécba solitárne zadním prístupem s vyuzitím Smith-Petersenových osteotomií.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Evaluation of efficiency and safety in surgically treated patients with Scheuermann hyperkyphosis using posterior-only surgical approach. MATERIAL AND METHODS Our study retrospectively evaluates the results of surgical correction in group of 20 patients with Scheuermann's hyperkyphosis, with an average age of 13 years and 8 month and with follow-up 4 years and 5 month. We evaluated changes of thoracic kyphosis as well as lumbar lordosis in correlation with surgical correction. Furthermore we compared ability of kyphosis to be corrected while performing reclination X-rays befroe surgery in comparation with rate of surgical correction. RESULTS The average correction of thoracic kyphosis was 52% - from preoperative 92° to postoperative 44°. We observed of 36% improvement of correction while surgically corrected in comparision with preoperative recklination X-ray pictures. Secondary correction of lumbar lordosis was from preoperative 84° to posoperative 55°. DISCUSSION Conservative treatment of hyperkyphosis offers only limited treatment results. Combined surgical approach with anterior release and posterior stabilization increase risk of anterior approach and secondary decreasing of lung capacity. Posterior vertberal osteotomies allows quality release and preparation for consecutive correction. Transpedicular instrumentation makes possible segmental correction of kyphotic spine using compression method. CONCLUSIONS Posterior-only surgical approach in combination with vertebral osteotomies allow efective and safe correction of hyperkyhosis in Scheuermann disease. Key words: Scheuermann, hyperkyphosis, transpedicular screws, osteotomy, posterior approach.

Influence of perioperative hypothermia on blood clotting in children.

OBJECTIVES: The decrease of body temperature is one of the causes of blood clotting disorders. BACKGROUND: Accidental hypothermia during anesthesia is a common condition and children, especially newborns, are the most sensitive patients to the side effects of hypothermia. METHODS: Web of Science, SCOPUS and PubMed search was performed to retrieve both original and review articles addressing both, hypothermia during surgery and coagulation disorder in pediatric patients. RESULTS: The most common perioperative hypothermia is in pediatric patients during cardio surgical operations using cardiopulmonary bypass, which corresponds to the largest number of published articles dealing with the relationship of perioperative hypothermia and coagulopathy in children. CONCLUSION: More detailed information on the temperature when the patient is already at risk of developing a clinically significant coagulation disorder and differentiating other factors affecting hemostasis is a subject of further investigation (Tab. 1, Fig. 1, Ref. 20). Text in PDF www.elis.sk.

Fertility status of Hodgkin lymphoma patients treated with chemotherapy and adjuvant gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues.

PURPOSE: Aim of this prospective observational study was to analyze fertility status of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients treated with different types of chemotherapy while receiving GnRH analogues to preserve ovarian function. METHODS: Fertility status was assessed among 108 females in reproductive age treated by curative chemotherapy for freshly diagnosed HL between 2005 and 2010 in university-based tertiary fertility and oncology center. All patients received GnRH analogues during chemotherapy to preserve their ovarian function. Their reproductive functions were assessed by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) measurement and pregnancy achievement. Ovarian function was determined separately in three groups with increasing gonadotoxicity of chemotherapy. RESULTS: One year following the treatment, normal ovarian function was found in 89 (82.4%) of patients. Two years after chemotherapy, 98 (90.7%) of patients retained their ovarian function, and 23 (21.3%) achieved clinical pregnancy during the follow-up period. Average FSH after chemotherapy was 11.6 ± 17.9 IU/l 1 year after the treatment resp. 9.0 ± 13.8 at the 2 years interval. There were significantly more patients with chemotherapy induced diminished ovarian reserve (chDOR) among the group receiving escalated BEACOPP chemotherapy in comparison with the other types of treatment (58.1% vs. 87.9% resp. 95.5%). CONCLUSION: The rate of chDOR is significantly higher after EB poly-chemotherapy and there is no tendency for improvement in time. The 2 + 2 chemotherapy with GnRH-a required for more advanced HL retained ovarian function significantly better after 2 years. Another important advantage of GnRH-a co-treatment is the excellent control of patient's menstrual cycle.

[Analgesia for labour in the Czech Republic in the year 2011 from the perspective of OBAAMA-CZ study - prospective national survey]. / Analgezie u porodu v Ceské republice v roce 2011 z pohledu studie OBAAMA-CZ- prospektivní observacní studie.

GOAL OF THE STUDY: The aim of national survey was to describe current practice for analgesia during labour provided by anaesthesiologists in the Czech Republic (CZE). TYPE OF THE STUDY: National prospective observational. SETTING: 49 obstetric departments in CZE. METHODS: We aimed to enrol all 97 obstetric departments in CZE and to monitor every case of anaesthetic care in peripartum period during November 2011. Data were recorded to Case Report Form with two parts (Demography 2010 and Case Report) into TrialDB database (Yale University, USA; adapted IBA, MU, CZE). Demographic data for CZE were obtained on request by ÚZIS. The data were analysed using SPSS 22. RESULTS: We enrolled 1943 cases of anaesthesiological care and 579 (29.8%) of them was to relief labour pain. Population and center weighted estimate of incidence of epidural labour analgesia was 12.5% (95% CI: 10.6% - 14.4%). Epidural analgesia was the most frequently applied via Tuohy needle G18 (97.8%), with administration of an epidural catheter G20 (95.7%), via medial approach (98.8%), in lateral position (76.7%) by the loss of resistance method (94.3%). All administrations of epidural analgesia were started by initial bolus, only in 28.2% of cases were followed continously. Always has been applied mixture of local anaesthetic with sufentanil at a dose of 3-10 mcg. Bupivacaine was most frequently used local anaesthetic (80.7%), followed by levobupivacaine (12.6%). Median concentrations both bupivacaine and levobupivacaine were 0.125% (min. 0.1%, max. 0.3%).The most common complication of epidural analgesia was repeated puncture (21.2%), blood in the catheter (1.4%), blood in the needle (1.2%), unintended puncture of the dura mater (0.7%) and transient paresthesias (0.5%). CONCLUSION: In comparison to previously published data there was trend for lower incidence of epidural analgesia for labour in the CZE.

Eclampsia as a cause of secondary non-obstructive central sleep hypoventilation.

The central alveolar hypoventilation of Ondine's curse is a disorder characterized by absent or diminished ventilatory response to hypercapnia, hypoxia or both, with parallel decrease in saturation to 50%. The secondary form may begin mainly after insult that affects the brain stem. We present a case of a 24-years old primipara in the 41st gestational week with an uncomplicated course of pregnancy and with secondary non-obstructive sleeping hypoventilation which occurred after eclamptic seizure. This obstetric case provides evidence for the benefit of home BiPAP use for patients with secondary Ondine's curse.

[Does an Independent Predictor of In-Hospital Mortality Exist for Patients with Isolated Proximal Femoral Fracture? A Retrospective Two-Year Observational Study]. / Existuje nezávislý prediktor nemocnicní smrtnosti pacientu s izolovanou frakturou proximálního konce femuru? Retrospektivní dvouletá observacní studie.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The primary objective of the study was to find out in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing surgery for proximal femoral fracture. The secondary objective was to identify independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective single-centre observational study PROXIMORT of patients operated on for isolated proximal femoral fracture at the University Hospital (FN) Brno in the years 2011 and 2012. The 30-day and overall one-year mortality in the study group and the impact of observed parameters on mortality were also assessed. The observed parameters were: patient age and sex, ASA score, time from injury to surgery (hr), daily (7-20 hr) or night (20-7 hr) time of surgery, type of anaesthesia (general vs spinal), initial haemoglobin and haematocrit levels, intra-operative administration of blood products and vasopressors, and erudition of the anaesthesiologist and surgeon. To evaluate the relationship of in-hospital mortality to the observed characteristics, we used univariate logistic regression modelling and odds ratio, using SPSS 22 software (IBM, USA). RESULTS: Data were obtained from 414 patients and 369 patients were included (male, n = 91; female, n = 278). Due to exclusion criteria, 45 patients were excluded (not an isolated injury). In-hospital mortality was 6.5% (n = 24), 30-day mortality was 8.4% (n = 31) and total mortality of the study group was 35.8% (n = 132). Statistically significant effects on in-hospital mortality included: older age of the patient (p = 0.013), ASA score of 3 or more (p = 0.002) and general anaesthesia administration (p = 0.043). For 30-day mortality, this was older age (p = 0.012), ASA score of 3 and more (p < 0.001), general anaesthesia administration (p < 0.001), lower weight (p = 0.028), lower BMI (p = 0.006) and intra-operative administration of vasopressors (p = 0.023). The influence of other observed parameters on post-operative mortality was not statistically significant. DISCUSSION: In-hospital mortality in the PROXIMORT study was 6.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 4.2 to 9.5%), which was significantly higher than in-hospital mortality in unselected surgically treated patients in the Czech Republic, as reported in the EuSOS study (2.3% with 95% CI 0.9 to 3.7%). Administration of general anaesthesia was determined as an independent predictor of in-hospital and 30-day mortality, which was concordant with the results of meta-analysis published by Rodgers et al. and Barbosa et al in 2013. Postponing surgery for perioperative optimisation had no effect on mortality according to the PROXIMORT study. Patorn et al. have supported this conclusion by the results of a selected group of patients with surgery delayed for more than 24 hours; the patients mortality, regardless of anaesthesia, was up to 2.5%. CONCLUSIONS: The PROXIMORT study identified the higher patient age, ASA score of 3 and more and general anaesthesia administration as independent predictors of in-hospital mortality.

Establishment and evaluation of a post caesarean acute pain service in a perinatological center:retrospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of establishing a Post Caesarean Acute Pain Service. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. SETTING: University Hospital Brno. METHODS: We evaluated all patients undergoing delivery via Caesarean Section under anaesthesia in the periods 10/2009 - 9/2010 and 11/2010 - 10/2011. During the postoperative period at predefined times, we measured the Visual Analogue Scale, Additional Analgesic Requests, blood pressure, pulse rate and recorded any complications. We compared the Visual Analogue Scale Score and number of Additional Analgesic Requests in two groups of women, 212 patients before and 195 patients after the establishment of an Acute Pain Service in the first 72 hours after Caesarean Section. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in Visual Analogue Scale Score between the groups (p<0.05). The number of Additional Analgesic Requests 24-72 hours after Caesarean Section decreased below one requirement per 24 hours. The most effective analgesic method after Caesarean Section during the first 24 hours postoperatively was epidural analgesia. There was no statistically significant difference 24-72 hours after Caesarean Section between the methods of analgesia used. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, implementation of a Post Caesarean Acute Pain Service led to decrease in Visual Analogue Scale Score postoperatively. KEYWORDS: Acute Pain Service, postoperative analgesia, Caesarean Section, non-opioid analgesia, opioid analgesia, epidural analgesia.

The effects of lidocaine on bupivacaine-induced cardiotoxicity in the isolated rat heart.

Bupivacaine is a widely used long-acting local anaesthetic. In clinical practice, a mixture of bupivacaine and lidocaine is often used in order to combine the faster onset of sensory blockade of lidocaine with more profound and longer duration of blockade by bupivacaine. The aim of this study was to compare the cardiotoxicity of large doses of bupivacaine and mixture of bupivacaine with lidocaine in the isolated rat heart and to estimate whether or not the addition of lidocaine in clinically relevant concentration increases bupivacaine-induced toxicity. Experiments were performed on 21 adult male rats divided into three groups: B (6 microg/ml bupivacaine), BL (6 microg/ml bupivacaine and 12 microg/ml lidocaine) and L (12 microg/ml lidocaine). The experiment consisted of three 30 min periods: stabilisation, perfusion and washout. The isolated hearts were perfused according to Langendorff with Krebs-Henseleit solution at constant pressure (80 mmHg) and 37 degrees C (CaCl(2) 1.25 mM) and the heart rate (based on RR interval assessment), PQ and QRS intervals were measured. The present study shows that the mixture of tested anaesthetics - bupivacaine and lidocaine - impairs the intraventricular conduction parameters (QRS interval prolongation) to a lesser extent than bupivacaine itself, and that this effect is marked mainly at the beginning of perfusion.

[Care for patients on mechanical ventilation from the perspective of an internal medicine physician]. / Péce o nemocné na umelé plicní ventilaci z pohledu lékare internisty.

At times of respiratory insufficiency, mechanical ventilation (MV) provides support for or a substitution ofcertain components of the respiratory system. The aim of ventilation therapy is to achieve appropriate ventilation and oxygenation parameters and to minimize adverse events of MV. The main examples of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) are Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP). The main benefit of NIV is a minimal need for tracheal intubation. To perform invasive mechanical ventilation, it is necessary to secure the airways with intubation or tracheotomy. We aim for the shortest possible duration of mechanical ventilation and intubation; their duration is a risk factor in development of ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Anti-Hu-associated brainstem encephalitis.

OBJECTIVE: A series of patients with anti-Hu-associated brainstem encephalitis is reviewed to better define the clinical presentation and to improve its recognition. METHODS: Data were collected from 14 patients diagnosed by members of the Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndromes Euronetwork, and eight patients from the literature who presented with isolated brainstem encephalitis and had anti-Hu antibodies. RESULTS: The median age of the 22 patients was 64 years (range 42-83), and 50% were men. All patients developed a subacute neurological syndrome, in days or weeks. Brain MRI was always normal. Mild cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis was reported in only two patients. The following syndromes were identified on admission: A medullary syndrome was seen in 11 (50%) patients. Seven of them presented with dysphagia, dysarthria and central hypoventilation. The other four in addition of bulbar symptoms, without central hypoventilation, presented pontine manifestations. Six (27%) patients developed a pontine syndrome with paresis of the VI or VII cranial nerves, nystagmus, usually vertical, and gait ataxia. There was a rapid downward progression to the medulla in all patients. Five (23%) patients presented a ponto-mesencephalic syndrome with uni- or bilateral palsy of the III and VI cranial nerves and gait ataxia, but rapidly progressed to complete gaze paresis and medullary dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms the predominant medullary involvement but also shows that half of the patients present with clinical features that indicate an upper, mainly pontine, dysfunction before downward progression.

Initiation of first disease-modifying treatment for multiple sclerosis patients in the Czech republic from 2013 to 2016: Data from the national registry ReMuS.

BACKGROUND: Proper management of multiple sclerosis (MS) requires feedback from clinical practice via registries. OBJECTIVE: To introduce the Czech national multiple sclerosis registry, ReMuS, and explore the availability and use of disease-modifying drugs (DMD). METHODS: The analysis focused on patients who started their first DMD, either with first-line or second-line medication and was based on reimbursement criteria set by Czech regulators. Baseline information was used to predict relapses after DMD initiation and to compare patients that started DMD in different years. RESULTS: A total of 3,328 patients started DMD treatment for MS between 2013 and 2016; 3,203 on first-line and 125 on second-line medication. The proportion of patients starting on second-line drugs increased from 1.8% in 2013 to 4.7% in 2016. The occurrence of a relapse within one year of DMD initiation was significantly related to (1) the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score immediately prior to starting DMD and (2) the number of previous relapses. Both parameters were significantly lower in patients starting in later years of the explored interval. CONCLUSION: Data from the ReMuS registry highlights improvements made in the management of MS in the Czech Republic. However, a relatively low percentage of patients started treatment using second-line drugs, in contrast to trends in other countries.

Labor analgesia in Czech Republic and Slovakia: a 2015 national survey.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this international survey was to describe the current practices and techniques of labor analgesia in the Czech Republic (CZE) and Slovakia (SVK). METHODS: All Czech and Slovak departments that provide obstetric anesthesia were invited to participate in a one-month (November 2015) prospective study that monitored in detail all peripartum anesthetic procedures delivered by anesthesiologists. Participating centers recorded all data on-line in the CLADE-IS database (Masaryk University, CZE). RESULTS: The response rate was 71% (70 of 95 departments in CZE, 35 of 54 centers in SVK). Participating centers represented 87.7% of all births in CZE and 66.4% of all births in SVK during the study period. Analgesia for labor, administered by anesthesiologists, was recorded in 12.5% of deliveries (CZE 12.1%, SVK 13.4%). Epidural analgesia was used in most of the cases (CZE 97.2%, SVK 99.1%) whereas spinal (CZE 1.4%, SVK 0.9%) or combined spinal-epidural (CZE 0.5%, SVK 0.0%) and intravenous remifentanil analgesia (CZE 2.4%, SVK 0.0%) were used infrequently. One fifth of the labors with analgesia administered by anesthesiologists (CZE 20.2%, SVK 20.5%) terminated in cesarean section. CONCLUSIONS: Although labor analgesia was available in all Czech and Slovak obstetric centers, only a small proportion of parturients received an effective method of labor pain relief (regional or intravenous analgesia).

[Systemic and paraneoplastic manifestations of malignant diseases]. / Systémové a paraneoplastické projevy maligních onemocnení.

Timely diagnosis of malignant diseases largely depends on attention being given to early symptoms and on timely start of an extensive diagnostic process. Only this way can a tumour be diagnosed in its initial stage, and better effect of therapy can be achieved. The following overview provides a list of systemic (paraneoplastic - distant) manifestations of a tumour, and of symptoms related to local tumour expansion. The objective of the overview is to draw attention to all early symptoms of malignant diseases in patients, and to contribute to timely diagnosis and treatment.