Mortality in clostridioides difficile infection among patients hospitalized at the university clinical hospital in Wroclaw, Poland - a 3-year observational study.

BACKGROUND: In the last two decades, a significant increase in the number of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) cases has been observed. It is understandable to attempt to determine the factors that can predict the severity of the course of the infection and identify patients at risk of death. This study aimed to analyze the factors affecting the incidence and mortality of CDI in inpatient treatment at the University Clinical Hospital in Wroclaw in 2016-2018. METHODS: Statistical analysis of data obtained from patients' medical records was performed. Only patients with symptoms of infection and infection confirmed by laboratory tests were enrolled in the study. When analyzing the number of deaths, only adult patients who died in hospital wards were included. The quantitative data including laboratory tests, used antibiotics and Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS) were assessed. Also, the qualitative data such as sex, year of hospitalization, occurrence of diarrhoea on admission to the hospital, presence of additional diseases, as wee ad the use of antibacterial drugs or proton pump blockers and ranitidine during hospitalization were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 319 adult CDI patients (178 women and 141 men) were enrolled of which 80 people died (50 women and 30 men). The mean age of the patients was 72.08 ± 16.74 years. Over the entire period studied, the morbidity was 174 cases per 100,000 hospitalizations while mortality was 25.08%. The group of deceased patients was characterized by: older age (by 9.24 years), longer duration of hospitalization (by 10 days), reduced albumin levels (Rho = -0.235, p < 0.001), higher urea levels, use of more antibiotics, higher risk of malnutrition in NRS (Rho = 0.219, p < 0.001), higher incidence of sepsis, heart failure, stroke, hypothyroidism. Pneumonia was diagnosed twice as often. It was also shown that deceased patients were significantly more likely to take penicillin and fluoroquinolones. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the morbidity was lower, but mortality was higher compared to similar hospitals in Poland. CDI patients were characterized by older age, multimorbidity, extended hospitalization, and the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Risk factors for death included advanced age, prolonged hospital stays, lower albumin, higher urea, malnutrition, and comorbidities like heart failure, stroke, pneumonia, sepsis, and hypothyroidism. Increased antibiotic use, particularly penicillin and fluoroquinolones, was associated with a higher mortality risk.

Ebbing Strength, Fading Power: Unveiling the Impact of Persistent Fatigue on Muscle Performance in COVID-19 Survivors.

The total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus infection is over 621 million. Post-COVID-19 syndrome, also known as long COVID or long-haul COVID, refers to a persistent condition where individuals experience symptoms and health issues after the acute phase of COVID-19. The aim of this study was to assess the strength and fatigue of skeletal muscles in people recovered from COVID-19. A total of 94 individuals took part in this cross-sectional study, with 45 participants (referred to as the Post-COVID Cohort, PCC) and 49 healthy age-matched volunteers (Healthy Control Cohort, HCC). This research article uses the direct dynamometry method to provide a detailed analysis of post-COVID survivors' strength and power characteristics. The Biodex System 4 Pro was utilized to evaluate muscle strength characteristics during the fatigue test. The fatigue work in extensors and flexors was significantly higher in the PCC. The PCC also showed significantly less power in both extensors and flexors compared to the HCC. In conclusion, this study provides compelling evidence of the impact of post-COVID-19 fatigue on muscle performance, highlighting the importance of considering these effects in the rehabilitation and care of individuals recovering from the virus. PCC achieved lower muscle strength values than HCC.

Enzalutamide and Survival in Nonmetastatic, Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Preliminary trial results showed that enzalutamide significantly improved metastasis-free survival among men who had nonmetastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer and rapidly increasing prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels while taking androgen-deprivation therapy. Results from the final analysis of overall survival have not yet been reported. METHODS: In this double-blind, phase 3 trial, men with nonmetastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer (defined on the basis of conventional imaging and a PSA doubling time of ≤10 months) who were continuing to receive androgen-deprivation therapy were randomly assigned (in a 2:1 ratio) to receive enzalutamide at a dose of 160 mg or placebo once daily. Overall survival was assessed with a group sequential testing procedure and an O'Brien-Fleming-type alpha-spending function. RESULTS: As of October 15, 2019, a total of 288 of 933 patients (31%) in the enzalutamide group and 178 of 468 (38%) in the placebo group had died. Median overall survival was 67.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 64.0 to not reached) in the enzalutamide group and 56.3 months (95% CI, 54.4 to 63.0) in the placebo group (hazard ratio for death, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.61 to 0.89; P = 0.001). The exposure-adjusted rate of adverse events of grade 3 or higher was 17 per 100 patient-years in the enzalutamide group and 20 per 100 patient-years in the placebo group. Adverse events in the enzalutamide group were consistent with those previously reported for enzalutamide; the most frequently reported events were fatigue and musculoskeletal events. CONCLUSIONS: Enzalutamide plus androgen-deprivation therapy resulted in longer median overall survival than placebo plus androgen-deprivation therapy among men with nonmetastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer and a rapidly rising PSA level. The risk of death associated with enzalutamide was 27% lower than with placebo. Adverse events were consistent with the established safety profile of enzalutamide. (Funded by Pfizer and Astellas Pharma; PROSPER ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02003924.).

Which traits affect how long patients with advanced prostate cancer live when treated with enzalutamide?

WHAT IS THIS SUMMARY ABOUT?: This is a summary of a research article originally published in European Journal of Cancer. The PROSPER study involved men who had a type of advanced prostate cancer called nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC). In men with nmCRPC, their cancer has progressed on traditional hormone therapy but scans show that it has not spread to other parts of the body. The main results of the PROSPER study showed that patients treated with enzalutamide lived longer than patients treated with placebo. For this analysis, researchers looked at whether this was different depending on patients' traits. WHAT WERE THE RESULTS?: Researchers found that age and location did not affect how long patients lived when treated with enzalutamide. They found three patient traits that did make a difference. Being able to carry out daily activities, low prostate-specific antigen level (PSA level), and receiving no other prostate cancer treatments after the study meant that patients were more likely to live longer. WHAT DO THE RESULTS OF THE STUDY MEAN?: Patients with nmCRPC treated with enzalutamide lived longer than patients treated with placebo. Age and location did not affect how long these patients lived, but other traits did. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT02003924 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Major life changing decision profile: Creation of the Polish language version.

Chronic diseases have long-term consequences and can affect individuals' life course. The aim of this study was to create the Polish language version of a questionnaire estimating the impact of the disease on important life decisions-the major life changing decision profile (MLCDP). The translation of the MLCDP followed international guidelines. The created Polish language version of the questionnaire was administered to 32 nephrology and dermatology ward inpatients. To assess its properties, statistical analysis of the results obtained was conducted. The Polish language version of the MLCDP demonstrated very good internal consistency with a Cronbach α coefficient of 0.84. The questionnaire presented excellent test-retest reliability, established with a coefficient ICC of 0.97. The Polish language version of MLCDP has shown high internal consistency and reproducibility, and can be used effectively to assess the cumulative impact of the disease by indicating the number of major life decisions affected by chronic disease.

The impact of location and patency of the arteriovenous fistula on quality of life of kidney transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs) may remain patent after kidney transplantation (KTx), contributing to maladaptive cardiac remodeling. The flow in AVFs is associated with the diameter of its vessels and thus with the AVF location. The main objective of this study is to assess the influence of AVF location and its patency on the self-reported quality of life (QOL) of kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) with past history of hemodialysis. METHODS: To gain clinical data, during a scheduled visit, 353 KTRs were asked to fill out an anonymous questionnaire. From this group, 284 respondents were found eligible for analysis. The outcome was defined as prevalence of symptoms and health status, measured with the Left Ventricular Dysfunction-36 (LVD-36) Questionnaire in symptomatic patients. RESULTS: The hemodialysis patients (n = 243) were divided into two groups according to AVF location, i.e., DAVF - distally located AVF - (n = 174) and PAVF - proximally located AVF - (n = 69). The proportion of patients with heart failure (HF) was higher in PAVF group (24% vs. 12%, p = 0.0482). In the multivariable regression, PAVF, serum creatinine levels, and the presence of HF or coronary artery disease (CAD) remained independent predictors of lower functional capacity. Among patients with heart disease, the presence of active AVF was independently associated with worse functional outcome (higher LVD-36 scores). CONCLUSIONS: The influence of persistent PAVF in KTRs seems to be unfavorable, especially when coexisting with CAD or HF. Abbreviations: AVF arteriovenous fistula; BMI body mass index; CAD coronary artery disease; D-AVF distally-located arteriovenous fistula; EC exercise capacity; HD hemodialysis; HF heart failure; KTx kidney transplantation; KTR kidney transplant recipient; LVD-36 Left Ventricle Disfunction - 36; LVEF left ventricle ejection fraction; LVH left ventricle hypertrophy; NYHA New York Heart Association; P-AVF proximally located arteriovenous fistula; PD peritoneal dialysis; PRO patient-reported outcomes; QOL quality of life.

Intra-arterial computed tomography angiography with ultra-low volume of iodine contrast and stent implantation in transplant renal artery stenosis in terms of contrast-induced kidney injury - a preliminary report.

PURPOSE: Traditional digital subtraction angiography is still regarded as the gold standard in the diagnostics of transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS). However, this procedure requires a high volume of iodine contrast medium for optimal visualisation of the renal artery. The aim of this study was to analyse both the usefulness and the safety of intra-arterial computed tomography angiography (IA-CTA) with ultra-low-volume iodine contrast administration in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of TRAS in patients with impaired renal transplant function. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-three patients with a suspicion of TRAS based on Doppler-ultrasound and clinical setting underwent IA-CTA with ultra-low iodine contrast volume. A special, author-elaborated CTA protocol was used. The volume of 8-18 ml of diluted iodine contrast medium was administered through a catheter with the tip placed 2 cm below the aortic bifurcation. RESULTS: In six patients the CTA examinations revealed TRAS in three configurations: in the anastomosis, in the trunk (critical and high-grade), or in both sections. Stenoses were treated with primary stenting obtaining favourable anatomical outcome. No intervention-related complications were observed. No contrast-induced acute kidney injury was diagnosed in this study. Mean serum creatinine concentration was 2.93 ± 0.89 mg/dl at the baseline and 2.89 ± 1.73 mg/dl and 2.17 ± 0.51 mg/dl after three and seven days from IA-CTA, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-arterial CTA with ultra-low volume of iodine contrast seems to be a safe and reliable diagnostic tool to detect and assess TRAS in the aspect of stent implantation. Application of this imaging modality eliminates the need for a high volume of iodine contrast and thus does not adversely influence renal transplant function.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Metabolic Acidosis in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease - Position Statement of the Working Group of the Polish Society of Nephrology.

Metabolic acidosis is commonly found in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and its causes are: impaired ammonia excretion, reduced tubular bicarbonate reabsorption and insufficient renal bicarbonate production in relation to the amount of acids synthesised by the body and ingested with food. As the consequence, numerous metabolic abnormalities develop, which may lead to dysfunction of several organs. In observational studies, it has been found that CKD patients with metabolic acidosis are characterised by faster progression of kidney disease towards end stage kidney failure, and by increased mortality. Results of interventional studies suggest that alkali therapy in CKD patients slows progression of kidney disease. In view of these facts, the members of "The Working Group of the Polish Society of Nephrology on Metabolic and Endocrine Abnormalities in Kidney Diseases" have prepared the following statement and guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of metabolic acidosis in CKD patients. Measurement of bicarbonate concentration in venous plasma or venous blood to check for metabolic acidosis should be performed in all CKD patients and metabolic acidosis in these patients should be diagnosed when the venous plasma or venous blood bicarbonate concentration is lower than 22 mmol/l. In patients with metabolic acidosis and CKD, oral sodium bicarbonate administration is recommended. The goal of such a treatment is to achieve a plasma or blood bicarbonate concentration equal to or greater than 22 mmol/l.

Different Relevance of Peripheral, Central or Nighttime Blood Pressure Measurements in the Prediction of Chronic Kidney Disease Progression in Patients with Mild or No-Proteinuria.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Arterial hypertension is one of the leading factors aggravating the course of chronic kidney disease (CKD). It seems that the novel parameters used in the assessment of the blood pressure (BP) load (i.e. central blood pressure, nighttime blood pressure) may be more precise in predicting the cardiovascular risk and the progression of CKD in comparison with the traditional peripheral blood pressure measurements in the office conditions. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the central, or nighttime blood pressure on the progression of CKD in patients with mild or no-proteinuria (autosomal, dominant polycystic kidney disease or IgA nephropathy). METHODS: In each of the enrolled 46 patients with CKD stage 3 or 4, serum creatinine concentration was assessed, eGFR (MDRD) was calculated, also central blood pressure and pulse wave velocity (PWV) was assessed and the 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) was conducted at the beginning of the study and then repeated after one-year observation period. RESULTS: During the observation period mean eGFR decreased from 44.1 (33.2-50.6) mL/min to 36.7 (29.7-46.3) mL/min. No significant differences were observed in the peripheral blood pressure or central blood pressure parameters. After one-year observation period the values of diastolic blood pressure dipping during the night significantly decreased from 16 (13-19) mmHg to 12 (10-15) mmHg; p< 0.05. The values of systolic dipping during the night or the mean BP values recorded in ABPM did not change significantly. Additionally, no significant differences in the PWV values were found. In the multivariate regression model the change of serum creatinine concentration was explained by the initial diastolic dipping values. CONCLUSION: 1. In patients with CKD stages 3 or 4 and mild or no- proteinuria, peripheral and central blood pressure did not change significantly during a one-year observation period despite the significant decline of eGFR and seems not to participate in the CKD progression. 2. Reduced magnitude of the diastolic dipping, which reflects the increase of diastolic blood pressure load during the nighttime, may play an important role in the pathogenesis of deterioration of kidney function in these patients.

Balloon Dilatation for Removal of an Irretrievable Permanent Hemodialysis Catheter: The Safest Approach.

Long-term hemodialysis catheter dwell time in the central vein predisposes to fibrin sheath development, which subsequently causes catheter malfunction or occlusion. In very rare cases, the catheter can be overgrown with fibrin and rigidly connected with the vein or heart structures. This makes its removal almost impossible and dangerous because of the possibility of serious complications, namely vein and heart wall perforation, bleeding, or catheter abruption in deep tissues. We describe two cases in which standard retrieval of long-term catheters was not possible. Balloon dilatation of catheter lumens was successfully used to increase the catheter diameter with simultaneous tearing of the fibrin sheath surrounding it. This allowed the catheter to be set free safely. Based on this experience, we present recent literature and our point of view.

[Vascular access in diabetic patients. Are these patients "difficult"?]. / Dostep naczyniowy u chorych na cukrzyce. Czy sa to chorzy problematyczni?

Diabetics with stage V chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis (HD) are considered as "difficult patients", because of problems with creation of the vascular access. There is controversy regarding the results and recommendations for preparation of the vascular access in these patients. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the results of creating different types of arteriovenous fistula (AVFs) in consecutive series of patients starting dialysis treatment. The analysis was performed in 741 patients (385 females and 356 males), average age 61.4±7 years, who started dialysis treatment in our department between January 2005 and December 2012. Native AVFs were created in all patients. No patients received an AVF requiring synthetic graft material. The number of patients with diabetic nephropathy was 166 (22.4%). Among them, 30 (18%) had type 1 diabetes and 136 (82%) type 2. In this group the occurrence of calcification in the forearm artery was estimated on the basis of physical examination, Allan's test, Doppler ultrasound and forearm X-ray. In a subgroup of patients with atherosclerotic changes in the arterial system the frequency of failed AVFs was analyzed. These results were compared with the group without diabetes. The number of procedures necessary for successfu AVF creation and type of access was counted in both groups. The assessment of the procedure frequency and AVF location in diabetic and in non-diabetic patients was made by χ² test with Yates correction. In the group of 166 patients with diabetes, in 100 cases (60%) atherosclerotic changes in forearm arteries were observed. In a subgroup of 30 patients with type 1 diabetes atherosclerosis was observed in 17 adults (57%). In this subgroup creation of a suitable forearm AVF in the first procedure in 9 patients was possible and in the other 8 cases the atherosclerotic changes necessitated repeated procedures and were an important obstacle to create the AVF. In the subgroup of 136 patients with type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis in the forearm artery was observed in 83 cases (61%). In this subgroup the creation of a native AVF was possible in 40 patients during the first procedure and in 43 cases additional intervention was needed, but only in 8 cases was atherosclerosis the cause of fistula failure. Generally, among 166 patients only in 16 cases (10%) did atherosclerosis present an important obstacle for AVF creation, but the number of necessary procedures to create one functioning AVF was significantly greater in this population (2 v 2.7, p=0.0001). A functioning AVF in patients with diabetes was found significantly frequently in the arm localization in comparison to non-diabetic patients (4.3 v 2%, p=0.0478). Atherosclerotic changes in forearm arteries in diabetic patients appear in 60% of hemodialysis patients and make it difficult to create an AVF only in 10% of diabetic patients, but it is possible to create a native AVF in 90% of diabetic patients, although this requires more procedures. In patients with diabetes, AVF in the wrist region should be preferred.

Phenotypic risk factors for new-onset diabetes mellitus (NODAT) in renal transplant recipients.

New-onset diabetes mellitus after transplantation (NODAT) is defined as diabetes which developed after organ transplantation. NODAT occurs in approximately 16-20% of recipients one year after kidney transplantation and is the main factor for the increased mortality and morbidity, increased medical costs, progressive graft failure and decreased patients' quality of life. Determination of phenotypic risk factors allows to define the scale of the risk of NODAT and can be helpful in detecting patients at risk of post-transplant diabetes. Overweight and obesity are well-known phenotypic risk factors that can be modified by lifestyle-change intervention. Adequate education about the principles of healthy lifestyle is one of the most important prevention factors. The medical staff should organize health education which should begin long before the planned transplantation, even at the stage of predialysis treatment or dialysis and be continued after transplantation. Early assessment of the risk of developing glucose metabolism disorders also allows the selection of immunosuppressive therapy less likely to affect carbohydrate metabolism. The article presents examples of simple risk scores and also principles of prevention and treatment of NODAT. The article presents the definition of NODAT, risk factors, especially overweight or obesity, risk scores and also principles of prevention and treatment of NODAT.

Analysis of factors affecting the length of hospitalization of patients with Clostridioides difficile infection: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is an infectious disease caused by the gram-positive, anaerobic bacterium C. difficile. The vulnerable populations for CDI include the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and hospitalized patients, especially those undergoing antimicrobial therapy, which is a significant risk factor for this infection. Due to its complications and increased resistance to treatment, CDI often leads to longer hospital stays. This study aimed to determine the average length of hospital stay (LOS) of Polish patients with CDI and to identify factors affecting the LOS of infected patients. METHODS: The study analyzed medical records of adult patients treated with CDI in one of the biggest clinical hospitals in Poland between 2016-2018. Information encompassed the patient's age, LOS results of selected laboratory tests, number of antibiotics used, nutritional status based on Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS 2002), year of hospitalization, presence of diarrhea on admission, systemic infections, additional conditions, and undergone therapies. The systematic collection of these variables forms the foundation for a comprehensive analysis of factors influencing the length of stay. RESULTS: In the study period, 319 patients with CDI were hospitalized, with a median LOS of 24 days (min-max = 2-344 days). The average LOS was 4.74 days in 2016 (median = 28 days), 4.27 days in 2017 (median = 24 days), and 4.25 days in 2018 (median = 23 days). There was a weak negative correlation (Rho = -0.235, p < 0.001) between albumin level and LOS and a weak positive correlation between NRS and LOS (Rho = 0.219, p < 0.001). Patients admitted with diarrhea, a history of stroke or pneumonia, those taking certain antibiotics (penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, colistin), and those using proton pump inhibitors, exhibited longer hospitalizations (all p < 0.001) or unfortunately died (p = 0.008). None of the individual predictors such as albumin level, Nutritional Risk Screen, pneumonia, stroke, and age showed a statistically significant relationship with the LOS (p > 0.05). However, the multivariate regression model explained a substantial portion of the variance in hospitalization length, with an R-squared value of 0.844. CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalization of a patient with CDI is long. Low albumin levels and increased risk of malnutrition were observed in longer hospitalized patients. Longer hospitalized patients had pneumonia, stroke, or surgery, and were admitted for a reason other than CDI.

Antiplatelet therapy prior to COVID-19 infection impacts on patients mortality: a propensity score-matched cohort study.

One of the major pathomechanisms of COVID-19 is the interplay of hyperinflammation and disruptions in coagulation processes, involving thrombocytes. Antiplatelet therapy (AP) by anti-inflammatory effect and inhibition of platelet aggregation may affect these pathways. The aim of this study was to investigate if AP has an impact on the in-hospital course and medium-term outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The study population (2170 COVID-19 patients: mean ± SD age 60 ± 19 years old, 50% male) was divided into a group of 274 patients receiving any AP prior to COVID-19 infection (AP group), and after propensity score matching, a group of 274 patients without previous AP (non-AP group). Patients from the AP group were less frequently hospitalized in the intensive care unit: 9% vs. 15%, 0.55 (0.33-0.94), developed less often shock: 9% vs. 15%, 0.56 (0.33-0.96), and required less aggressive forms of therapy. The AP group had more coronary revascularizations: 5% vs. 1%, 3.48 (2.19-5.55) and strokes/TIA: 5% vs. 1%, 3.63 (1.18-11.2). The bleeding rate was comparable: 7% vs. 7%, 1.06 (0.54-2.06). The patients from the AP group had lower 3-month mortality: 31% vs. 39%, 0.69 (0.51-0.93) and didn't differ significantly in 6-month mortality: 34% vs. 41%, 0.79 (0.60-1.04). When analyzing the subgroup with a history of myocardial infarction and/or coronary revascularization and/or previous stroke/transient ischemic attack and/or peripheral artery disease, AP had a beneficial effect on both 3-month: 37% vs. 56%, 0.58 (0.40-0.86) and 6-month mortality: 42% vs. 57%, 0.63 (0.44-0.92). Moreover, the favourable effect was highly noticeable in this subgroup where acetylsalicylic acid was continued during hospitalization with reduction of in-hospital: 19% vs. 43%, 0.31 (0.15-0.67), 3-month: 30% vs. 54%, 044 (0.26-0.75) and 6-month mortality: 33% vs. 54%, 0.49 (0.29-0.82) when confronted with the subgroup who had acetylsalicylic acid suspension during hospitalization. The AP may have a beneficial impact on hospital course and mortality in COVID-19 and shouldn't be discontinued, especially in high-risk patients.

Usefulness of the CHA2DS2-VASc Score in Predicting the Outcome in Subjects Hospitalized with COVID-19-A Subanalysis of the COLOS Study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to see if the CHA2DS2-VASc score (Cardiac failure or dysfunction, Hypertension, Age ≥ 75 [Doubled], Diabetes, Stroke [Doubled]-Vascular disease, Age 65-74 and Sex category [Female] score) could have potential clinical relevance in predicting the outcome of hospitalization time, need for ICU hospitalization, survival time, in-hospital mortality, and mortality at 3 and 6 months after discharge home. MATERIALS: A retrospective analysis of 2183 patients with COVID-19 hospitalized at the COVID-19 Centre of the University Hospital in Wroclaw, Poland, between February 2020 and June 2021, was performed. All medical records were collected as part of the COronavirus in LOwer Silesia-the COLOS registry project. The CHA2DS2-VASc score was applied for all subjects, and the patients were observed from admission to hospital until the day of discharge or death. Further information on patient deaths was prospectively collected following the 90 and 180 days after admission. The new risk stratification derived from differences in survival curves and long-term follow-up of our patients was obtained. Primary outcomes measured included in-hospital mortality and 3-month and 6-month all-cause mortality, whereas secondary outcomes included termination of hospitalization from causes other than death (home discharges/transfer to another facility or deterioration/referral to rehabilitation) and non-fatal adverse events during hospitalization. RESULTS: It was shown that gender had no effect on mortality. Significantly shorter hospitalization time was observed in the group of patients with low CHA2DS2-VASc scores. Among secondary outcomes, CHA2DS2-VASc score revealed predictive value in both genders for cardiogenic (5.79% vs. 0.69%; p < 0.0001), stroke/TIA (0.48% vs. 9.92%; p < 0.0001), acute heart failure (0.97% vs. 18.18%; p < 0.0001), pneumonia (43% vs. 63.64%; p < 0.0001), and acute renal failure (7.04% vs. 23.97%; p < 0.0001). This study points at the usefulness of the CHA2DS2-VASc score in predicting the severity of the course of COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: Routine use of this scale in clinical practice may suggest the legitimacy of extending its application to the assessment of not only the risk of thromboembolic events in the COVID-19 cohort.

Pre-hospital oxygen therapy and saturation variability in COVID-19 patients with and without glucose metabolism disorders: part of the COLOS Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed that viruses can have multiple receptor properties, penetrating various tissues and causing mutations in various genes, thus promoting a range of metabolic disorders. The purpose of this study was to investigate the connection between three factors: diabetic status, pre-hospitalization oxygen therapy, and saturation levels, to the values of morphological, inflammatory, and biochemical parameters in the blood serum of COVID-19 patients. The study group consisted of 2139 patients, 1076 women (50.30%) and 1063 men (49.70%), with an average age of 63.73 ± 15.69 years. The population was divided into three groups based on a three-stage scale, taking into account patients with either type 2 diabetes/prediabetes (473 patients), those who received oxygen therapy before hospitalization, and those with a saturation value of below 95% (cut-off value). Among patients who did not receive pre-hospitalization oxygen therapy, those with diabetes and a SpO2 level < 95% had significantly higher levels of D-dimers, procalcitonin, albumin, lymphocytes, RDW-SD ≥ 47, potassium, creatinine, and troponin T when compared to diabetic patients with a SpO2 level ≥ 95%. Similarly, in the same group of patients without pre-hospitalization oxygen therapy, those without diabetes but with a SpO2 level < 95% showed significantly increased levels of IL-6, CRP, albumin, lymphocytes, RDW-SD ≥ 47, glucose, potassium, sodium, creatinine, and ALT, compared to patients without diabetes and with a SpO2 level ≥ 95%. The findings suggest that lower saturation levels may result in increased potassium and glucose levels in patients who did not receive any oxygen therapy before hospitalization due to COVID-19. It is hypothesized that this may be caused by damage to pancreatic ß-cells by SARS-CoV-2, and disturbances in the potassium channel, leading to cell membrane depolarization and insulin secretion.

Insulin and Metformin Administration: Unravelling the Multifaceted Association with Mortality across Various Clinical Settings Considering Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and COVID-19.

Due to the molecular mechanisms of action of antidiabetic drugs, they are considered to be effective in the treatment of both COVID-19 and the post-COVID-19 syndromes. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of administering insulin and metformin on the mortality of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) with symptomatic COVID-19 with the use of logistic regression models. The association between death and insulin and metformin was weak and could not be included in the multivariate model. However, the interaction of both drugs with other factors, including remdesivir and low-molecular-weight heparin (metformin), age and hsCRP (insulin), modulated the odds of death. These interactions hint at multifaceted (anti-/pro-) associations of both insulin and metformin with the odds of death, depending on the patient's characteristics. In the multivariate model, RDW-SD, adjusted with low-molecular-weight heparin treatment, age, sex and K+, was associated with mortality among patients with COVID-19 and T2DM. With a 15% increase in RDW-SD, the risk of death increased by 87.7%. This preliminary study provides the foundations for developing further, more personalized models to assess the risk of death in T2DM patients, as well as for identifying patients at an increased risk of death due to COVID-19.

The Usefulness of the C2HEST Score in Predicting the Clinical Outcomes of COVID-19 in COPD and Non-COPD Cohorts.

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) infected with SARS-CoV-2 indicate a higher risk of severe COVID-19 course, which is defined as the need for hospitalization in the intensive care unit, mechanical ventilation, or death. However, simple tools to stratify the risk in patients with COPD suffering from COVID-19 are lacking. The current study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the C2HEST score in patients with COPD. A retrospective analysis of medical records from 2184 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 at the University Hospital in Wroclaw from February 2020 to June 2021, which was previously used in earlier studies, assessed outcomes such as mortality during hospitalization, all-cause mortality at 3 and 6 months, non-fatal discharge, as well as adverse clinical incidents. This re-analysis specifically examines the outcomes using a COPD split. In the COPD group, 42 deaths were recorded, including 18 in-hospital deaths. In-hospital mortality rates at 3 and 6 months did not significantly differ among C2HEST strata, nor did their impact on subsequent treatment. However, a notable association between the C2HEST score and prognosis was observed in the non-COPD cohort comprising 2109 patients. The C2HEST score's predictive ability is notably lower in COPD patients compared to non-COPD subjects, with COPD itself indicating a high mortality risk. However, C2HEST effectively identifies patients at high risk of cardiac complications during COVID-19, especially in non-COPD cases.

The effect of high-tone external muscle stimulation on symptoms and electrophysiological parameters of uremic peripheral neuropathy.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: Peripheral neuropathy is a devastating uremic complication that causes debilitating pain and movement limitation. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of high-tone external muscle stimulation (HTEMS) therapy on clinical and electrophysiologycal parameters in hemodialysis patients with uremic peripheral neuropathy. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS: The study group consisted of 28 chronic hemodialysis patients (mean age 71.6 ± 8.6 y, median 74 y) on maintenance dialysis for 3 - 187 months (median 31 months). Eight persons (28.9%) were diabetics. All of them exhibited overt peripheral neuropathy and had undergone pharmacological therapy without improvement. All subjects were treated with HTEMS for 1 h during a hemodialysis session, 3 times weekly for 12 weeks. The dialysis parameters (duration of the session, blood and dialysate flow) were constant during the treatment period. Electrophysiological evaluation before and after intervention included assessment of sensory nerves (ulnar nerve, sural nerve) and motor nerves (ulnar nerve, peroneal nerve). The examined nerve conduction parameters were conduction velocity, amplitude, distal latency and F-wave latency. RESULTS: In the questionnaire 18 persons (64%) reported improvement of general well-being after HTEMS therapy, 17 persons (61%) felt an increase of physical capacity, and 16 persons (57%) experienced a decreased feeling of cold feet. The electrophysiological findings were obtained in 19 patients who completed the examination before and after the course of HTEMS. A significant improvement was noted in the motor conduction velocity of the ulnar nerve; respective values were 48.53 ± 6.14 vs. 51.50 ± 5.51 m/s, p = 0.03. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated for the first time that the subjective amelioration of uremic peripheral neuropathy by HTEMS treatment is associated with significant improvement in an objective electrophysiological parameter, motor conduction velocity of the ulnar nerve.

Novel PKD1 mutations - the effect on clinical phenotype of ADPKD patients in Lower Silesia.

INTRODUCTION: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is characterized by the development and progressive enlargement of cysts in the kidneys. The diagnosis of ADPKD is usually determined by criteria of renal ultrasound imaging of the development and number of cysts. However, in atypical cystic disease, for the recognition of ADPKD, DNA-based assays may be required. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study PCR amplified fragments of the PKD1 gene (covering exons 15 and 43- 44) from genomic DNA of 134 Lower Silesia patients were analyzed for mutations and polymorphisms. Among them, the clinical significance of different PKD1 mutations was investigated in 81 persons. RESULTS: Eight new, previously undescribed, and 2 recurrent mutations were discovered. The presence of 3 known polymorphisms was confirmed. Seven of the 8 new discovered mutations were heterozygous. DISCUSSION: The results of the present study demonstrated that the frequency of genetic abnormalities in the analyzed fragments of the PKD1 gene in the Lower Silesian population is smaller than previously reported. Moreover, we could not detect deletions and insertions, which are often present is these regions of the PKD1 gene, which may be due to the limited number of screened patients. We conclude that none of the discovered changes in the PKD1 gene had any effect on clinical phenotype of the disease.