Co-existence of ANCA-associated vasculitides with immune-mediated diseases: a single-center observational study.

BACKGROUND: Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitides (AAV) is a group of systemic necrotizing small vessel autoimmune diseases, with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) being the two most common. The co-existence of AAV with different immune-mediated diseases (autoimmune disesases - AID) might affect the clinical presentation of the primary disease. The purpose of the study was to assess the co-existence of AAV with AID and to investigate whether it affects the characteristics and the course of AAV. METHODS: A retrospective single-center study was performed to identify patients with a diagnosis of MPA or GPA and concomitant AID, and to investigate their clinical features and characteristics. The group consisted of consecutive unselected AAV patients treated at a large university-based hospital, since 1988 with follow-up until 2022. RESULTS: Among 284 patients diagnosed either with GPA (232) or MPA (52), 40 (14,1%) had co-existing AIDs. The most frequent were: Hashimoto thyroiditis (16 cases), rheumatoid arthritis (8 cases), followed by psoriasis (6 cases), pernicious anemia (3 cases), and alopecia (3 cases). Patients with autoimmune comorbidities had a significantly longer time between the onset of symptoms and the diagnosis (26 vs. 11 months, p < 0.001). Laryngeal involvement (20.0% vs. 9.0%, p = 0,05), peripheral nervous system disorders (35.0% vs. 13.9%, p < 0.001), and neoplasms (20.0% vs. 8.6%, p = 0,044) were more common in patients with AID comorbidities, compared to subjects without AID. In contrast, renal involvement (45.0% vs. 70.9%, p = 0.001) and nodular lung lesions (27.5% vs. 47.5%, p = 0.044) were significantly less frequent in patients with co-morbidities. Following EUVAS criteria, patients with autoimmune co-morbidities had a generalized form of the disease without organ involvement (52.5% vs. 27.2%, p = 0.007), while the others had a higher percentage of generalized form with organ involvement (38.3% vs. 20.0%, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: The coexistence of AAV with different autoimmune diseases is not common, but it might affect the clinical course of the disease. Polyautoimmunity prolonged the time to diagnosis, but the AAV course seemed to be milder. Particular attention should be paid to the increased risk of cancer in these patients. It also seems reasonable that AAV patients should receive a serological screening to exclude the development of overlapping diseases.

The usefulness of histopathological examinations of non-renal biopsies in the diagnosis of granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

INTRODUCTION: Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a rare, ANCA-associated, systemic disease characterized by necrotizing small and medium vessel vasculitis of unknown etiology associated with granulomatous inflammation affecting the renal, pulmonary, upper airways, ocular systems and other tissues. Histological proof of the granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) can be obtained by biopsy of clinically involved sites. The main purpose of this study was to examine histopathological changes in non-renal biopsies from patients with established diagnosis of GPA and evaluated the histological confirmation at diagnosis of this disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed in patients with GPA diagnosed and treated in clinics of the University Clinical Center (UCK) in Gdansk in 1988-2009. RESULTS: In the analyzed group of GPA patients the histopathological examination of biopsies taken from involved tissues (except kidney) was performed in 60% of patients. Thirty-six out of 93 biopsies (39%) were diagnosed as typical of GPA, 10 (10.7%) were suggestive and 51 (54.8%) were non-specific. Considering all biopsies, the diagnosis was confirmed in 24 patients (57% of patients in whom biopsies were taken). Epitheloid cell granulomas were present in 33 biopsies (43%), characteristic necrosis in 27 biopsies (35%), small vessel vasculitis in 18 biopsies (23%), while multinucleated giant cells were identified only in 9 biopsies (12%). CONCLUSIONS: Histopathological examination of the affected tissues remains the gold standard of the diagnosis of GPA. Its usefulness increases, particularly in ANCA-negative patients, in the initial phase of the disease, or in patients with atypical clinical presentation. In many cases, it is necessary to repeat biopsy to establish the diagnosis. The role of the histopathological examination seems to be particularly important when ANCA is negative or clinical symptoms are atypical of GPA.

[Evaluation of iron balance in healthy pregnant women and their newborns]. / Badanie gospodarki zelazem u kobiet w przebiegu ciazy niepowiklanej oraz we krwi pepowinowej ich dzieci.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to evaluate the iron status markers in normal healthy pregnancy as well as the influence of maternal diet on iron concentration in their newborns. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A longitudinal prospective study was conducted in a sample of 69 healthy non-smoking pregnant women under prenatal care of The Institute of Mother and Child. Blood samples were collected in the first, second and third trimesters and from the umbilical vein. Concentrations of ferritin and transferrin were assessed using turbidimetric technique, the concentration of iron--with ferrozine colorimetric method. Pentra 120 analyzer was used to define hematological parameters. Maternal diet was assessed by means of a weekly questionnaire, processed with computer software Dietetyk 2. RESULTS: Hematological parameters in the analyzed blood were normal. The average hematocrit values in the first trimester of pregnancy was 36.7%, in the second--34.92%, in the third--35.95%. The concentration of hemoglobin was 27.82 g/dl, 28.55 g/dl, 27.27 g/dl in the respective trimesters of pregnancy. In the umbilical blood it was 25.84 g/dl (5.2% less than in the maternal blood). The number of erythrocytes was the highest in the first (4.16 mln/mm3), and the lowest in the second trimester (3.92 mln/mm3). The average concentration of iron was the highest in the first trimester--99.61 microg/dl. In the second and third trimester it decreased by 25% and 2% respectively. The concentration was 76.34% higher in the umbilical blood than in maternal blood at the time of labor. The concentration of ferritin in the first trimester was 43.96 microg/l, in the second and the third trimester it was lower by 46% and 29% respectively. It was 126.4 microg/l in the umbilical blood (fourfold higher than in maternal blood). The concentration of transferrin was 321.01 mg/dl in the first trimester and it increased in consecutive trimesters by 36.14% and 5.12%; it was 219.92 mg/dl in the umbilical blood--48% of the concentration of transferrin in the maternal blood at the time of labor. The analysis of an average daily food ration revealed that the supply of iron was 80% of the recommended dose in the first half and only 41% of the recommended dose in the second half of the pregnancy. Fat consumption was 99% and 95% of the recommended dose, respectively. There was a 30%-decrease in the protein and carbohydrates consumption in comparison with the recommended dose in the second half of the pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of normal hematological parameters, we observed insufficient supply of iron in the diet of pregnant women, which was demonstrated by a decreased level of ferritin. It should be reason enough to issue dietary recommendations and guidelines for pregnant women in each stage of pregnancy.

[Levels of immunoreactive cytokines in serum of women with preeclampsia or severe pregnancy hypertension]. / Stezenie immunoreaktywnych cytokin w surowicy krwi u kobiet ze stanem przed- rzucawkowym i ciezka postacia nadcisnienia ciazowego.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to compare concentrations of inflammatory and Th1/Th2 cytokines in serum obtained from women with preeclampsia or severe pregnancy hypertension versus normotensive controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 34 pregnant women with hypertension over 140/90mmHg and proteinuria over 0.3 g/day or severe pregnancy hypertension. 16 healthy pregnant women comprised the control group. The concentration of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNFalpha and IFNgamma was measured with Cytometric Bead Array Human Th1/Th2 Cytokine Kit II (Becton Dickinson). U-Mann Whitney test was used for the comparison of the results. RESULTS: We found statistically significantly increased concentrations of IFNgamma: 8.4 +/- 5.3 pg/ml vs. 4.2 +/- 3.2 pg/ml (p = 0.02), TNFalpha: 1.5 +/- 0.7 pg/ml vs. 0.7 +/- 0.3 pg/ml (p = 0.04) and IL-2: 1.3-0.6 pg/ml vs. 0.6 +/- 0.4 pg/ml (p = 0.01) in the studied group. The level of IL-6 35.5 +/- 21.0 pg/ml vs. 19.8 +/- 12.3 pg/ml was also increased but the difference did not reach statistical significance. Concentrations of IL-4 and IL- 10 were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Increased concentrations of Th1 cytokines (IFNgamma, IL-2) in the serum of women with preeclampsia suggests an exaggerated cytotoxic activity of blood in this pathology accompanied by an increase in the levels of inflammatory cytokines TNFalpha and IL-6.

[Chlamydia trachomatis infection in sexually active teenagers]. / Zakazenie Chlamydia trachomatis u aktywnych seksualnie nastolatek.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infections among Polish teenagers remains unknown. Sexually active teenagers are exposed at sexually transmitted infections, including Chlamydia trachomatis (CT). Most infections are asymptomatic and, therefore, untreated. Early detection and treatment of cervical chlamydial infections may prevent pelvic inflammatory diseases and prevent later infertility. AIM: to determine the prevalance and risk factors of Chlamydia trachomatis infections among sexually active female teenager. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 243 sexually active girls, 16-19 year-olds, attending the outpatient clinic were enrolled in this study between 2005-2007. The participants filled in a questionnaire containing such information as age, purpose of visit, level of education, age at the first intercourse, number of sexual partners, number of current partners (in the past 3 months), contraceptive methods, use of condoms, past history of STD and obstetric history at the first visit. Pelvic examination was performed to check the following: vaginal discharge, presence of abnormalites of the cervix (ectopy, erythema, tenderness of uterine and adnexal) and to take a Pap smear and a cervical swab for Chlamydia trachomatis. Cervical swabs for Chlamydia trachomatis were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: The prevalence of CT genital infection in the studied group was 2,9%. Adolescent females infected by CT less frequently admitted to the use of condom and more often did not use any contraception at all, in comparison with the girls without CT genital infections (29% and 57% vs. 37% and 19%). There were statistically significant differences in the results of the abnormal Pap smears (ASCUS, LGSIL) between the two groups.

[Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma of major salivary glands--a clinicopathologic review]. / Rak w gruczolaku wielopostaciowym duzych gruczolów slinowych--analiza kliniczno-patologiczna.

BACKGROUND: Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most common neoplasm of the major salivary glands. There are three subtypes of malignant PA: carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA); carcinosarcoma (true malignant mixed tumor) and metastasizing pleomorphic adenoma. The most common subtype of malignant PA is CXPA which develops in primary or recurrent PA. For proper diagnosis of CXPA, a statement of coexistence of pleomorphic adenoma and carcinoma (or carcinoma after prior PA surgery) is needed. Own material is presented because of rarity and clinicopathologic specificity of this neoplasm. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the medical data of 19 patients who were treated at our department because of CXPA from 1990 to 2002 was done. The following clinical factors were evaluated: age, sex, symptoms (time of lasting, evolution), tumor size, invasion of the adjacent structures and facial nerve, neck nodes, clinical stage, treatment outcome. One pathologist reviewed histological material of 18 out of 19 patients who had been operated and pathological factors such as sensitivity and accuracy of fine needle aspiration biopsy, grade, histology and proportion of malignant component in tumor, lymph nodes metastases were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 11 men and 8 women, the mean age was 57 years. In 15 cases, tumor was localized in the parotid and in 4 in the submandibular gland. Two patients had history of prior surgery of PA. Duration of symptoms of benign PA was from 2 to 40 years (mean 17.8 years). Symptoms of malignant transformation occurred in 15 patients, the most common were rapid enlargement of tumor, pain and facial nerve palsy. Tumor size varied from 2 to 20 cm with a mean of 6 cm. In 14 patients, the neck was evaluated clinically as No, in 5, examination identified enlarged lymph nodes. Adjacent structures were invaded by neoplasm in 5 cases. Sensitivity and accuracy of fine needle aspiration biopsy in detection of malignant character of PA were 60% and 46% respectively. 17 out of 18 tumors reviewed by the pathologist were high grade. Only in 6 patients, proportion of carcinoma in the mass was less than 50%. The most common malignant component in CXPA was adenocarcinoma (9 cases) and undifferentiated carcinoma (6 cases). Pathologic examination showed metastases to the lymph nodes in 7 out of 10 patients with prior neck dissection. 16 patients were treated surgically (12 of them had also radiation therapy) and 3 patients underwent only (chemo)radiotherapy. Determinate survival at 5 years was 73.6% and in the group treated surgically (alone or with postoperative irradiation) 87.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Malignant transformation of PA occurs in 5 to 25% untreated patients, usually after 15-20 years and warning symptoms are present in the most cases. Fine needle aspiration biopsy has insufficient sensibility and accuracy in detection of malignant character of PA. Clinical picture and histopathological examination determinate the diagnosis of CXPA. Proper histological classification of malignant component can be found difficult. Surgical treatment (alone or with postoperative irradiation), if possible, allows to achieve good locoregional control of CXPA. 5-years survival varied between 30 to 76%. The best method of prevention and treatment of CXPA is early and radical removal of all major salivary glands tumors.

[Nd:YAG laser assisted uvulopalatoplasty in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome]. / Uwulopalatoplastyka z uzyciem lasera Nd:YAG (LAUP) u chorych z zespolem obturacyjnych bezdechów podczas snu.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical treatment of OSAS is focused on removal of narrowing that increase airway resistance in upper respiratory tract. Nd:YAG laser beam penetrates deeper into tissue than CO2 laser followed by superior scarification ability. In this study we investigate efficacy of surgery with Nd:YAG laser assisted uvuloplasty (LAUP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The subject was 51 patients with OSAS treated in Department of Otolaryngology, Medical University of Gdansk during the 2004-2005 period. All patients underwent all-night PSG and the ESS (Epworth Sleepiness Scale) score was used to assess the daytime sleepiness. Surgery treatment was performed and all patients underwent LAUP and additionally lingual base laser vaporization, tonsillectomy and nasal surgery where needed. The postoperative control ENT examination including ESS and all-night PSG was performed after 6 months. RESULTS: Success was found in 29 patients, they achieved AHI<10 and ESS<12. In another 22 patients improvement at PSG parameters and ESS score were evaluated but they were still beyond normal range. Success was obtained in 14/16 patients with preoperative AHI I degree, 10/19 AHI II, and 4/16 AHI III. Nasal surgery for enlargement of airway passage was performed more frequently (25/32) in the group with success then in the group with partial improvement (9/19). Preoperative PSG parameters were better in patients with nasal obstruction. Patients with BMI> or =30 succeeded rarely (10/22) in compare with patients with BMI<30 (success in 24/29). Preoperative PSG parameters were better in patients with BMI<30. CONCLUSION: LAUP with Nd:YAG laser wit additional tonsillectomy, lingual base surgery and nasal surgery were needed is successful method for surgery at light and medium stage of OSAS in nonobese patients.

[Complications of acute mastoiditis in children]. / Powiklania ostrego zapalenia wyrostka sutkowatego u dzieci.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of complications resulting from acute otitis media has significantly decreased since the introduction of antibiotics. The use of antibiotics has lead to decrease in the complications of acute mastoiditis as well as the mortality of the disease. The purpose of the study was to review our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of complications of acute mastoiditis in children. Study design. Retrospective clinical study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present a retrospective study of 70 children with extracranial and intracranial complications of acute mastoiditis who were treated in the period from 1968 to 2006 at Department of Otolaryngology, Medical University of Gdansk. Their treatment has been documented with long period of otologic follow-up. RESULTS: Extracranial complications occurred in 41 (30.4%) of treated acute mastoiditis cases, and subperiostal abscess was the commonest one in 37 (90.2%) patients. Intracranial complications occurred in 29 (21.4%) of acute mastoiditis cases and facial paralysis was the commonest one in 14 (40.0%) cases, followed by sigmoid sinus thrombosis and perisinus abscess. Ear cultures grew in patients with otogenic complications, the most often Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus sp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were found. Mastoidectomy with myringotomy resolved the disease in 46 (65.7%) children, only myringotomy in 6 (8.6%) and canal wall down mastoidectomy in 18 (25.7%) children. Complete resolution was achieved in all cases. CONCLUSION: The persistent othorrea, otalgia and headache, prolonged high fever, neurological signs were the most common symptoms associated with the development of intracranial complications of acute mastoiditis in children. Computed tomography and MRI are necessary tools for diagnosis and surgery planning in every case of latent mastoiditis. Antibiotic treatment of acute mastoiditis does not prevent otogenic complications. Extracranial or intracranial complications of acute mastoiditis need surgical treatment and prolonged antibiotic therapy. The present study found evidence for decreased incidence of mastoiditis and their suppurative complications during last years.

[Prenatal diagnosis of Crouzon syndrome--actual diagnostic possibilities]. / Prenatalne rozpoznanie zespolu Crouzona-- wspólczesne mozliwosci diagnostyczne.

Crouzon syndrome is a cranio-facial dysostosis with autosomal dominant transmission and a birth prevalence of 16.5 per million newborns. Up till now there is no publications in polish medical journals about ultrasonic diagnosis of Crouzon syndrome or of any other craniostenosis. The development of ultrasonography, three-dimensional ultrasonography and in the last years also MRI, allows earlier detection and diagnosis of fetal malformation and enables precise evaluation of his anatomy. The aim of the study is presentatoin Crouzon syndrom diagnosed prenatally by ultrasonography and confirmed moleculary by DNA analysis. We would like to stress the diagnostic problems and the difficult decisions that we encountered.

The usefulness of bone scannning for the diagnosis and evaluation of otogenic skull base osteomyelitis. A description of three cases.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this report was to assess the usefulness of bone scanning in the diagnosis and evaluation of the skull base osteomyelitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Bone scanning was performed in three male patients with otogenic skull base osteomyelitis, aged 65-84 years utilizing Tc99m-MDP and dual-head gamma camera. RESULTS: In one case, bone scanning played a crucial role in establishing the diagnosis. In two cases, it provided confirmed MRI results. CT scanning was negative in two cases. CONCLUSIONS: Bone scans may give valuable information for establishing the diagnosis and assessing the severity of this disease, and add complementary physiological information to radiological imaging.

[The evolution of epidemiology and clinical characteristics of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma in Poland from 1991 to 2001]. / Ewolucja obrazu epidemiologicznego i klinicznego raka krtani i krtaniowej czesci gardla w Polsce w latach 1991-2001.

On the base of retrospective analysis of 12,888 cases of carcinoma of larynx and hypopharynx, diagnosed in 19 ENT Departments in Poland from 1991 to 2001, the assessment of basic epidemiological data, including the localization of tumor and stage of local and clinical advancement of the disease at the time of diagnosis has been conducted. In analyzed period of 11 years the trends to change of the mentioned above parameters has been examined. The significant increase of female patients in this period was observed, with average proportion M:F = 8:1. The glottis localization of carcinoma dominated (47.6%), followed by supraglottis (40.8%) and pyriform fossa (7.8%), with significant increase of pyriform fossa tumors in the analyzed period of 11 years. In the majority of cases the carcinoma of larynx and hypopharynx was diagnosed in the advanced stage (T3 + T4) of local disease, with the highest percentage in localization within the pyriform fossa (81.0%), and the lowest percentage in glottis tumors (45.6%). The regional lymph nodes metastases has been diagnosed in 46.7% of the analyzed group, with the highest percentage in tumors localized in pyriform fossa (82.9%), and the lowest percentage in tumors of glottis localization (33.1%). In the 11 years time the significant drop down of N0 cases and tendency to increase of N2 and N3 in the supraglottis localization of tumor. The distant metastases in the analyzed group at the time of diagnosis has been registered in 2.0%, with the highest percentage in posterior pharyngeal wall (7.6%) and pyriform fossa (7.4%). The authors postulate the renewal of prospective study on epidemiology, clinical characteristics and treatment results of larynx and hypopharynx carcinoma in Poland.

[Four main reasons of maternal death in Poland between 1991-2000]. / Zgony matek w Polsce w latach 1991-2000 wg czterech glównych przyczyn.

Maternal death during pregnancy, labour and puerperium constitutes the main problem of prenatal medicine and still a major public health topic. In this work we analyses maternal deaths in Poland between 1991-2000. There were 4,404,641 live births and 462 maternal deaths. Among them there were 402 direct ("true") maternal deaths with mortality rate 9.1 per 100,000 live births and 60 indirect maternal deaths (rate 1.4). There were 218 cases of pregnancy associated deaths (rate 4.9). The main causes of direct maternal deaths were as follows: haemorrhage--33.6% (rate 3.1), sepsis--27.3% (rate 2.5), amniotic fluid embolism--22.4% (rate 2.0) and pregnancy induced hypertension 16.7% (rate 1.5). Increasing maternal age is one of important risk factor for mortality. Over 30% of direct pregnancy related deaths were noted within women above 35 years. Unsatisfactory antenatal care, management deficiency and patient's neglect were main risk factor foe fatal outcome. Practical conclusions should be issued as general rules, instructions and recommendations. Between one third to one half of the maternal deaths are considered to have been preventable.

[Prevalence of group B streptococcal colonization in pregnant women and their newborns based on the results of examination of patients in the Obstetric and Gynecology Department of the National Research Institute of Mother and Child--a pilot study]. / Czestosc wystepowania kolonizacji paciorkowcami beta hemolizujacymi grupy B kobiet ciezarnych i noworodkow--okreslona na podstawie badan przeprowadzonych u pacjentek Polikliniki i Kliniki Poloznictwa i Ginekologii Instytutu Matki i Dziecka--badanie pilotazowe.

UNLABELLED: Group B streptococcus is a main cause of perinatal infections and neonatal sepsis. In Poland there is no epidemiological data of the prevalence group B streptococcal colonization in pregnant women and the risk for their newborns. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to define the prevalence of streptococcal B colonization in pregnant women and their newborns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The pregnant women and their newborns from Obstetric and Gynecology Department of National Research Institute of Mother and Child were included to our study during 2001 and 2002 years. Cervical, vaginal and perianal swab were obtained. Women with positive cultures were treated with antibiotic during labor. The external swabs of their neonate were obtained. RESULTS: 1678 pregnant women took part in our study. The GBS (streptococcus agalactiae) colonization was found in 331 women. The prevalence of pregnant women group B streptococcal colonization in the study is 19.7%. 70 of 203 neonates form mothers with positive results of our screening, had the GBS colonization confirmed. The prevalence of confirmed streptococcal colonization in neonates was 34.5%. One newborn developed early onset neonatal sepsis, during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of pregnant women group B streptococcal colonization about 20%. For the prevention of newborns intrapartum infections a major thing is the prevalence of the transmission risk to newborns from mothers with a GBS colonization and the appropriate intrapartum management.

[Effect of vitamin-mineral supplementation on the status of some microelements in pregnant women]. / Wplyw suplementacji preparatem witaminowo-mineralnym na status wybranych mikroelementów u kobiet ciezarnych.

We studied the effect of VIBOVITmama (Polfa Kutno S.A.) supplementation on the course of pregnancy duration, delivery and puerperium and also the status of zinc, copper and selenium in the blood of matched maternal-cord pairs. Healthy pregnant women (n=138) were divided by a double blinded trial into a test group taking vitamin and mineral supplementation containing 15 mg of zinc, 2 mg of copper and 20 microg of selenium and a control group taking placebo. Course of pregnancy, delivery and puerperium were analyzed, as well as concentration of bioelements in the blood serum of pregnant women in the I, II, and II trimester and in umbilical cord blood of their children. In the study group we noted fewer by 1.45% cases of pregnancy induced hypertension and a much higher rate of natural deliveries (75%) in comparison to the control group (53%). During pregnancy in the supplemented group a 1% increase of zinc serum concentration was found. In the control group zinc concentration decreased by 7% (p < 0.005). Insignificant differences in serum concentration of copper and selenium was observed between the study group and controls. In umbilical cord blood the differences in the concentration of the above microelements were also insignificant. The results allow for the statement that VIBOVITmama supplementation stabilizes the zinc, copper and selenium levels in blood of pregnant women without the risk of overdosing, especially with reference to selenium.

[Usefulness of ND:YAG laser in head and neck surgery]. / Przydatnosc lasera Nd:YAG w chirurgii glowy i szyi.

Nd:YAG laser is widely used in surgery as well as in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery for 25 years. This type of laser is characterized by low absorption in water and haemoglobin, deep penetration to the tissue and high ability for vessels coagulation. The laser light can be guided with glassfiber and can be focussed with handpices and micromanipulators. These characteristics make Nd:YAG laser very useful surgical instrument, especially in ORL and head and neck surgery. One institution's experiences, based on 300 operations with Nd:YAG laser are presented and discussed. Main indications to Nd:YAG laser operations in our material were: malignant neoplasms of oral cavity, pharynx and larynx, papillomas and haemangiomas of mucosa of upper respiratory tract, tracheal stenoses, scars of the larynx after partial laryngectomies and snoring and sleep apnoea syndrome. In our opinion, Nd:YAG laser has high usefulness in treatment of malignant and benign head and neck neoplasms, as well as in laryngeal scars and treatment of snoring. In cases of post intubation tracheal stenoses and in cases of post strumectomy bilateral paralysis of larynx the treatment results were not satisfactory. High usefulness of Nd:YAG laser results from very good coagulation ability and wide possibility of transmission of laser light with glassfiber.

[Malignant and non-malignant cartilaginous tumours of the larynx]. / Zlosliwe i niezlosliwe guzy chrzestne krtani.

INTRODUCTION: Cartilaginous tumours of the larynx are rare. They usually involve cricoid cartilage, less frequently thyroid cartilage and other cartilages. The most significant clinical manifestations are hoarseness, dyspnea, dysphagia or a neck mass. On physical examination, tumour is found as a bulge with intact mucosa or a tumour situated in a part of the larynx also with fixation. CT scanning is the mainstay of radiographic imaging. The histopathologic diagnosis is made after the surgical excision. Prognosis for survival is good. The recurrences occur very often, also with malignant transformation and require laryngectomy. MATERIAL: We presented 11 patients (including symptoms, involved cartilage, laryngoscopy examination, histopathologic diagnosis, treatment and the follow-up). RESULTS: 6 patients manifested hoarseness, 5 dyspnea, 3 dysphagia, 1 neck mass as the first symptom. In laryngoscopy a tumour with intact mucosa was situated in subglottis - 5 patients, in supraglottis - 2 patients and in half of the larynx with fixation - 4 patients. The majority of tumours involved the cricoid cartilage - in 9 cases, the rest arytenoid and epiglottic cartilage. The histopathology diagnosis were given after surgery, only in one case after biopsy. There were 7 patients with chondrosarcoma and four with chondroma. We did not observe lymph node or distant metastases. All patients were treated surgically. Follow-up of patients with chondrosarcoma were 5 to 17 years without recurrence. However, two recurrences of chondroma appeared to be chondrosarcomas and required laryngectomy.

Angiomyolipoma of the larynx: case report.

The authors present the report of the first ever case of angiomyolipoma arising in the larynx. The tumor was found in a 61-year-old man and was resected through laryngofissure. Histopathologic examination of the tumor revealed numerous smooth muscle cells, mature adipose tissue and numerous thin and large irregular vessels. Both histological and immunohistochemical findings were typical for tumors of the mucocutaneous angiomyolipoma group.

Otogenic skull base osteomyelitis caused by invasive fungal infection. Case report and literature review.

Otogenic skull base osteomyelitis (SBO) of fungal etiology is a very rare but life-threatening complication of inflammatory processes of the ear. The authors present a case of otogenic SBO caused by Aspergillus flavus in a 65-year-old man with a fatal course. Because of the encountered difficulties with the proper diagnosis and treatment, the authors reviewed the literature on the subject.

[Fibrinolytic therapy of pulmonary embolism in pregnant women]. / Fibrynolityczne leczenie zatorowosci plucnej w ciazy -- wspólczesne poglady.

Fibrinolytic therapy has an established position in the treatment of pulmonary embolism. Its use has proven to decrease patients' mortality. However, in pregnant women such treatment is considered risky, due to possible fatal haemorrhagic events. In spite of such disadvantages, fibrinolytic therapy has been used in pregnant women with good results: from definite improvement of clinical status to complete recovery. No severe haemorrhagic events were observed in these cases and overall mortality was significantly decreased. These findings show that the use of fibrinolytic therapy in emergency situations is an efficient and safe method, when applied in accordance with standard procedures. In this publication we present the general review of current knowledge regarding the use of fibrinolytic therapy in pregnant women.