Quality of life in noncompliant adults with phenylketonuria after resumption of the diet.

BACKGROUND: Discontinuation of dietary therapy in adults with phenylketonuria can lead to neuropsychological abnormalities and emotional problems. The aim of our study was to assess the change in quality of life in adult patients returning to the diet and to define the reasons for failure in diet resumption. METHODS: Quality of life was assessed by means of the Psychological General Well-Being Index before study entry and subsequently after 3 and 9 months. Reasons for failure in diet resumption were analysed. RESULTS: 53 patients participated in the study. Initial quality of life assessment revealed severe distress in 17%, moderate distress in 28% and positive well-being in 55% of them. In the majority of patients with severe or moderate distress, improvement of subjective well-being was observed (especially in the domains of anxiety and depressiveness) if they managed to return to the diet (blood phenylalanine concentrations before study entry 0.78-1.62 mmol/L, mean 1.16 mmol/L; average blood phenylalanine concentration decrease by 0.42 mmol/L). Only 29 persons managed to maintain the diet for at least 3 months and only 10 participants finished the entire 9-month study protocol. Problems with dietary treatment while at work, the high cost of low-protein products and poor knowledge regarding proper diet were the most important factors responsible for failure in resumption of diet. CONCLUSION: Interpersonal differences exist between adult patients on relaxed diet, in some of whom quality of life often remains good, while others can suffer from severe emotional distress. Returning to diet increases quality of life in the majority of patients.

[Interferon therapy in cildren with chronic hepatitis and chronic renal failure treated with dialysis]. / Terapia interferonem dzieci z przewleklym zapaleniem watroby i schylkowa niewydolnoscia nerek leczonych dializami.

The HCV proliferation occurs in patients with chronic hepatitis type C on hemodialysis treatment after the kidney graft. The replication markers of HBV also occurs in patients after kidney graft. 35 children were examined. Among HBV infected children the replication phase was in 1 child (3%), nonreplication phase in 2 children (6%). 12 children had a signs of chronic hepatitis type C, 4 children (11.4%) of double active infection of HBV and HCV. The aim of this study was a preliminary evaluation of interferon alpha treatment (INF-alpha) of chronic hepatitis in dialysed children. Despite of high costs of treatment, it is necessary to begin an interferon alpha therapy before renal graft.

[Physiological and pathophysiological role of histamine in the gastrointestinal tract]. / Rola histaminy w przewodzie pokarmowym w stanach fizjologii i patologii.

In this paper, the authors discuss problems concerning the role played by histamine in various physiological and pathological processes in the gastrointestinal tract. The synthesis and metabolism of histamine is described. Apart from participation in many physiological processes, e.g. secretion of gastric juice, histamine takes part in many pathological reactions occurring in celiac disease, food allergy and inflammatory bowel diseases.