[Care of dementia in the general practice]. / A dementia ellátása a háziorvosi gyakorlatban.

Treating and caring for people with dementia is a complex task, which can be achieved through cooperation between primary and specialist healthcare, social care and specialist care services. General practitioners are key players in the prevention, screening, treatment and care of dementia. Our aim was to present the general practitioner's aspects of modern dementia care through different levels of prevention. Educating patients to lead a healthy lifestyle and optimising their cardiovascular status reduces the risk of developing dementia. Emphasis was placed on early screening and referral to a specialist, and the importance of timely, individualised therapy for modern care. General practitioner's care of patients with dementia includes monitoring the progression of the disease as well as co-morbidities so that the quality of life of both the patients and their family can be improved by reducing complications. Family doctors also have an important role to support family members who care for the patient. In addition to presenting the current possibilities in Hungary, we reviewed the international literature and national guidelines, which must be followed continuously to ensure quality patient care. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(32): 1263-1270.

Serum fetuin-A is decreased in cirrhotic patients with Wilson's disease.

INTRODUCTION: Wilson's disease may lead to cirrhosis, but timely medical treatment could slow down its progression. Clinical markers helping early diagnosis are essential. Decreased fetuin-A concentration has been reported in cirrhosis of different etiologies. The aim of this study was to investigate whether decreased serum fetuin-A concentration could identify patients with Wilson's disease who developed cirrhosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study we determined the serum fetuin-A concentration of 50 patients with Wilson's disease. We analyzed the data of patients with liver involvement, comparing cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients. RESULTS: Among patients with liver involvement those with cirrhosis had significantly lower fetuin-A and albumin level, white blood cell and platelet count. Fetuin-A negatively correlated with disease duration, bilirubin level, positively with total protein and albumin concentration, but not with copper and ceruloplasmin concentrations or markers of systemic inflammation. In multivariate analysis with fetuin-A and the Nazer score or its parameters only fetuin-A was a significant determinant of having cirrhosis. In receiver operator curve analysis among patients with liver involvement the fetuin-A level of 523 µg/ml was associated with cirrhosis with 82% sensitivity and 87% specificity. The presence of the H1069Q mutation was not associated with alteration in fetuin-A concentration. CONCLUSIONS: The serum concentration of fetuin-A is a sensitive marker of liver cirrhosis in Wilson's disease, independently of the H1069Q mutation, ceruloplasmin concentration or systemic inflammation.

Serum fetuin-A level is independent of Helicobacter pylori postinfection status in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Helicobacter pylori is a common pathogen causing gastric inflammation and malignancy. Fetuin-A is a multifunctional protein that is involved in the regulation of calcification, insulin resistance and inflammation. Reports on serum levels of fetuin-A in acute H. pylori infection are contradictory. We intended to see whether H. pylori post-infection status has a long-term effect on serum fetuin-A levels in a well-characterized series of systemic lupus erythematosus cases. In this cross-sectional study 117 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus were enrolled. Helicobacter infection status and serum fetuin-A concentration were determined by ELISA and radial immunodiffusion, respectively. H. pylori positive patients had higher serum fetuin-A concentration than negative ones: 517 (456-603) vs. 476 (408-544) mg L-1, median (25-75% percentiles), P = 0.020. No other parameters differed between these groups. During univariate regression analysis fetuin-A levels were associated with Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), White blood cell count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), serum total protein, albumin, and the SLEDAI index at the time of diagnosis but only serum albumin remained a significant determinant in multivariate regression study.

The Missing Link: A Case of Severe Adverse Reaction to Histamine in Food and Beverages.

BACKGROUND Adverse reaction to histamine found in food and beverages is still a debated entity. It presents with a diverse, multisystemic clinical picture and lacks objective diagnostic criteria. CASE REPORT We report a case of severe adverse reaction to histamine in food and beverages. The 36-year-old White man had diet-dependent problems for 17 years that involved periodic erythematous rash, fever, headaches, nausea, and upper respiratory symptoms. The symptoms developed in the same chronologic order each time. The course of the disease could be divided into a first (prodromal, gastrointestinal), a second (acute, dermal), and a third (subacute, respiratory) phase. The symptoms occurred every 3-6 weeks and lasted for 10-14 days. The differential diagnosis was time-consuming and very detailed. Family history, genetic testing, and oral histamine provocation testing supported the diagnosis of an adverse reaction to histamine in food and beverages. A low-histamine diet resulted in a symptom-free state. Follow-up lasted longer than 24 months. CONCLUSIONS This presentation of an adverse reaction to histamine in food and beverages can serve as a textbook example where a chronological, syndrome-like order of symptom appearance is described. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a severe adverse reaction to histamine in food and beverages, where symptoms are described in 3 distinct recurring phases.

Monitoring the development of post-COVID­19 syndrome. / Poszt-COVID-19-szindrómás esetek kialakulásának követése.

Összefoglaló. Bevezetés: A SARS-CoV-2-fertozés elhúzódó tüneteit 4 héten túl poszt-COVID-19-tüneteknek nevezzük, és fennállási ido szerint csoportosítjuk. Célkituzés: A vizsgálat célja egy háziorvosi körzet megközelítoleg állandó populációjában megfigyelni, hogy adott idointervallumon belül a SARS-CoV-2-fertozöttek között milyen arányban, milyen jellegu poszt-COVID-19-tünetek alakulnak ki, és mennyi ideig tartanak. Módszer: 282 SARS-CoV-2-beteg tüneteit 2020. szeptember 1. és 2021. szeptember 1. között követtük, 4 hetente, 15-42 héten át - elhúzódó szaglászavar esetén 30-50 héten át -, elsosorban telefonos interjúk segítségével. Eredmények: Egy hónapon túli panaszok a betegek 67%-ában (170 fo) alakultak ki. A leggyakoribb tünet a fáradékonyság (79 fo, 29%) és a szaglászavar volt (74 fo, 27%). Az utóbbi jellemzoen nem dohányzók körében lépett fel, és a COVID-19-fertozöttek 2,5%-ában 43 héten túl is fennmaradt. A fáradékonyság panaszköre a poszt-COVID-19-betegek 46%-át érintette. Ezen betegek szignifikánsan hosszabb idot töltöttek keresoképtelenségi állományban, mint azok, akik nem voltak fáradékonyak (12,3 vs. 19,7 nap). Az enyhe SARS-CoV-2-fertozést követo súlyos fáradékonysággal küzdo betegek a panaszaikat szindrómaszeruen írták le, melyre jellemzo volt a palpitáció, a fáradékonyság, a terhelésre jelentkezo légszomj, az alvászavar, a laza széklet és a posturalis panaszok. Ezek átlagosan 19 hét alatt múltak el. Megbeszélés: A poszt-COVID-19-tünetek kialakulása enyhe lefolyás mellett is gyakori, a lefolyás súlyossága sok esetben nincs arányban a poszt-COVID-19-fáradékonyság súlyosságával. A posztakut-COVID-19-fáradékony betegek kórházi kezelést nem igénylo csoportja számos tényezo alapján elkülönítheto a posztakut-COVID-19-fáradékony betegek hospitalizált csoportjától. Következtetés: Az enyhe COVID-19-fertozést is követheti elhúzódó fáradékonyság poszt-COVID-19-tünetként, mely spontán regrediál. SARS-CoV-2-fertozést követoen hosszú távon fennmaradhat szaglászavar, illetve a középsúlyos és súlyos COVID-19-eseteket követoen fáradékonyság. Orv Hetil. 2022; 163(9): 335-342. INTRODUCTION: Extended symptoms may develop after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. We refer to these as post-COVID-19 symptoms and they are grouped according to time duration. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to follow all COVID-19 infected patients in a family practise, to observe all post-COVID-19 symptoms, symptom development rates and to document how long they last. METHOD: 282 SARS-CoV-2 patients were followed mainly through telephone interviews between 01. 09. 2020 and 01. 09. 2021. Post-COVID-19 symptoms were monitored for 15-42 weeks every 4 weeks (30-50 weeks in cases of delayed hypsomia). RESULTS: Symptoms lasting longer than a month developed in 67% of all patients (170 cases). The most frequent symptoms were fatigue (79 cases, 29%) and hyposmia (74 cases, 27%). The latter mainly developed in non-smokers, affecting 2,5% of all COVID-19 patients beyond 43 weeks. Fatigue affected 46% of all post-COVID-19 patients. Sick leave was significantly longer among these patients (19.7 vs. 12.3 days in patients with no fatigue). Severe post-COVID-19 fatigue in non-hospitalized patients presented in a sydrome-like appearance displaying palpitations, fatigue, dyspnoea, sleep disturbances, loose stools and postural complaints. These regrediated after 19 weeks. DISCUSSION: Post-COVID-19 symptoms often develop after a mild COVID-19 infection. Severity of COVID-19 infection and severity of post-COVID-19 symptoms often do not correlate. Groups of hospitalized and non-hospitalized post-acute COVID patients with fatigue can be distinguished by many attributes. CONCLUSION: Mild COVID-19 infections may also be followed up by severe fatigue, but it spontenaously regrediates. Long-term effects of COVID-19 are permanent hyposmia and fatigue (the latter affect some hospitalized COVID-19 patients). Orv Hetil. 2022; 163(9): 335-342.

Semmelweis Caring University Model Program Based on the Development of a Center of Preventive Services: Health for All Employees at a University Occupational Setting.

The leadership of the Semmelweis University as a leading institution of higher education in Hungary and the Central Eastern European region within the area of medicine and health sciences has decided to reflect on the unfavorable public health situation in the country as well as the deteriorating health behavior and health status indicators in the Hungarian population by the development of an occupational setting-based personalized public health model program targeting its about 8500 employees. Based on its infrastructure and human resources the core element of the program is the establishment of the Center of Preventive Services (CPS) with units providing health risk assessment for each employee, and whenever necessary consultation with medical specialist in preventive medicine and public health, as well as counseling with dietician, physiotherapist and/or health psychologist. The service providers are the staff members of the relevant faculties in collaboration with partner primary and occupational care physicians. The units of the CPS can also serve as practical training sites for students at various levels of medical and health sciences training, and strongly contribute to the development and improvement of their skills to be able for working as a team in service provision. The employees are not only beneficiaries of health risk assessment and screening repeated on a regular basis and adequate interventions at the right time, but they also serve as a sample for a longitudinal cohort study and further ad hoc surveys for defining and implementing interventions to support health protection, disease prevention and healthy aging among them.

To prevent being stressed-out: Allostatic overload and resilience of general practitioners in the era of COVID-19. A cross-sectional observational study.

BACKGROUND: Responsibility of general practitioners (GPs) in delivering safe and effective care is always high but during the COVID-19 pandemic they face even growing pressure that might result in unbearable stress load (allostatic overload, AO) leading to disease. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to measure AO of Hungarian GPs during the COVID-19 pandemic and explore their recreational resources to identify potential protective factors against stress load. METHODS: In a mixed-method design, Fava's clinimetric approach to AO was applied alongside the Psychosocial Index (PSI); Kellner's symptom questionnaire (SQ) to measure depression, anxiety, hostility and somatisation and the Public Health Surveillance Well-being Scale (PHS-WB) to determine mental, social, and physical well-being. Recreational resources were mapped. Besides Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests, regression analysis was applied to identify explanatory variables of AO. RESULTS: Data of 228 GPs (68% females) were analysed. Work-related changes caused the biggest challenges leading to AO in 60% of the sample. While female sex (OR: 1.99; CI: 1.06; 3.74, p = 0.032) and other life stresses (OR: 1.4; CI: 1.2; 1.6, p < 0.001) associated with increased odds of AO, each additional day with 30 min for recreation purposes associated with 20% decreased odds (OR: 0.838; CI: 0.72; 0.97, p = 0.020). 3-4 days a week when time was ensured for recreation associated with elevated mental and physical well-being, while 5-7 days associated with lower depressive and anxiety symptoms, somatisation, and hostility. CONCLUSION: Under changing circumstances, resilience improvement through increasing time spent on recreation should be emphasised to prevent GPs from the adverse health consequences of stress load.

The relationship between anxiety and diabetes / A szorongás és a diabetes közti kapcsolat.

Összefoglaló. A cukorbetegség és a depresszió kapcsolatáról számos tanulmány született. A szorongás és a diabetes közti összefüggést már kevesebben vizsgálták, pedig jelentos szerepük van a szorongásos kórképeknek is, hiszen nagyon gyakori a két betegség együttes elofordulása. A diabetes már önmagában is nagy betegségterhet jelent a betegek számára, a társuló pszichiátriai kórképek pedig tovább rontják a kezelés minoségét, ezért fontos a korai felismerésük és kezelésük. Jelen összefoglaló közleményünk célja a szorongásos kórképek és elsosorban a 2-es típusú cukorbetegség közti összefüggés feltárása. Több elmélet született a köztük lévo kapcsolat magyarázatára. Egyesek szerint szerepet játszhat benne a közös etiológiai háttér, mások szerint a cukorbetegség diagnózisa és a gondozásával kapcsolatos feladatok vezetnek szorongáshoz. Megint mások pedig ellentétes irányból vizsgálva a köztük lévo kapcsolatot, arra a megállapításra jutottak, hogy a szorongás különbözo fiziológiai mechanizmusokon keresztül vezethet cukorbetegséghez. A szorongás és a diabetes közti kapcsolat irányától függetlenül javasolt a depresszió mellett a szorongásnak a szurése és minél korábbi kezelése a cukorbetegek körében, így csökkennének a komorbiditásból származó szövodmények, a kezelési nehézségek, javulna a betegek életminosége és a terápiával való együttmuködésük. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(31): 1226-1232. Summary. The relationship between diabetes and depression has been evaluated in numerous studies. The association between diabetes and anxiety was less investigated, although the importance of anxiety disorders is underlined by its frequent co-occurrence with diabetes. Diabetes alone carries a significant disease burden for patients. Comorbidity with psychiatric disorders deteriorates the quality of care, therefore early treatment and diagnosis of these conditions are essential. The aim of the present review is to outline the relationship between anxiety and mainly type 2 diabetes. There are several theories to explain the relationship between them. Some researchers suggest that common etiological background may play a role in their co-occurrence, some believe that the diagnosis of diabetes and the burden of self-management lead to anxiety, while others - investigating the relationship from the opposite direction - suggest that anxiety leads to diabetes through physiological mechanisms. Independently of the direction of the relationship, screening for anxiety and timely treatment among diabetic patients may decrease the risk of complications, the difficulty in treatment arising from the co-occurrence of these two conditions and may improve patients' quality of life and adherence to therapy. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(31): 1226-1232.

Evaluation of primary care services in Hungary: a comprehensive description of provision, professional competences, cooperation, financing, and infrastructure, based on the findings of the Hungarian-arm of the QUALICOPC study.

BACKGROUND: Primary health care provision in terms of quality, equity, and costs are different by countries. The Quality and Costs of Primary Care (QUALICOPC) study evaluated these domains and parameters in 35 countries, using uniformized method with validated questionnaires filled out by family physicians/general practitioners (GPs).This paper aims to provide data of the Hungarian-arm of the QUALICOPC study and to give an overview about the recent Hungarian primary care (PC) system. METHODS: The questionnaires were completed in 222 Hungarian GP practices, delivered by fieldworkers, in a geographically representative distribution. Descriptive analysis was performed on the data. FINDINGS: Financing is based mostly on capitation, with additional compensatory elements and minor financial incentives. The gate-keeping function is weak. The communication between GPs and specialists is often insufficient. The number of available devices and equipment are appropriate. Single-handed practices are predominant. Appointment instead of queuing is a new option and is becoming more popular, mainly among better-educated and urban patients. GPs are involved in the management of almost all chronic condition of all generations. Despite the burden of administrative tasks, half of the GPs estimate their job as still interesting, burn-out symptoms were rarely found. Among the evaluated process indicators, access, continuity, comprehensiveness, and coordination were rated as satisfactory, together with equity among health outcome indicators. Financing is insufficient; therefore, many GPs are involved in additional income-generating activities. The old age of the GPs and the lack of the younger GPs generation contributes to a shortage in manpower. Cooperation and communication between different levels of health care provision should be improved, focusing better on community orientation and on preventive services. Financing needs continuous improvement and appropriate incentives should be implemented. There is a need for specific PC-oriented guidelines to define properly the tasks and competences of GPs.

[Examination of the health status and health behaviors of Hungarian family physicians]. / Magyar családorvosok egészségi állapotának, életmódjának vizsgálata.

Összefoglaló. Bevezetés: A családorvosok testi, lelki egészségi állapota hatással van a munkavégzésükre, a betegellátás minoségére, ezáltal a társadalom egészségmutatóira is. Az életmód pedig az egyik legjelentosebb, egészségi állapotot befolyásoló tényezo. Célkituzés: A vizsgálat célja a magyar háziorvosok egészségi állapotának és az azt befolyásoló életmódtényezoknek a felmérése. Módszer: Keresztmetszeti vizsgálat. Kvantitatív, papíralapú felmérés családorvosok körében (n = 569, életkor 54 ± 10 év, nok 42%). Eredmények: A háziorvosok 61%-a túlsúlyos vagy elhízott, 88%-ának a vércukorszintje ≤5,5 mmol/l. A résztvevok 50%-a legalább heti rendszerességgel végez testmozgást, 20%-uk egyáltalán nem. A háziorvosok 13%-a dohányzik jelenleg, 5%-a tekintheto nagyivónak. Enyhe fokú depressziós tünetegyüttes 19%-uknál, közepes fokú 6%-uknál, súlyos fokú 5%-uknál fordult elo. A súlyos fokú kiégés mindkét nemben, mindhárom dimenzióban 18­39% volt. Következtetés: A magyar háziorvosok általános egészségi állapota nem mondható jobbnak sem a hazai nem orvos populációénál, sem a külföldi orvoskollégákénál. A magyar háziorvosok dohányzási mutatói kedvezobbek a lakossági adatoknál, míg az alkoholfogyasztás terén kedvezotlenebb eredményeket kaptunk. Nemzetközi összehasonlításban, a káros szenvedélyek terén a hazai kollégák eredményei jónak tekinthetok. A depresszió és a kiégés gyakori elofordulása jelentos probléma a háziorvosok körében. Mentális egészségük monitorozása és gondozása a hatékony egészségügyi ellátórendszer kulcskérdése. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(12): 449­457. Summary. Introduction: General practitioners' somatic and mental health status have an impact on their work and the quality of care they provide and thus influence the health indicators of the society. Lifestyle is one of the most important influencing factors of health. Objective: The study aims to assess the health status of Hungarian general practitioners and the lifestyle factors influencing it. Method: Cross-sectional study. Quantitative, paper-based questionnaire among general practitioners (n = 569, age 54 ± 10 years, female 42%). Results: 61% of family physicians are overweight or obese, 88% of them have blood glucose level ≤5.5 mmol/l. 50% of the participants do exercise at least once a week, 20% do not take any exercise at all. 13% currently smoke, 7% are considered heavy drinkers. Mild, moderate and severe depression symptoms occurred in 19%, 6% and 5% of them, respectively. A severe level of burnout syndrome was reported in 18­39% in both sexes, in all three dimensions. Conclusion: The health status of Hungarian general practitioners is not better than that of the non-medical Hungarian population or than that of foreign colleagues. The smoking indicators of Hungarian doctors are more favorable than the Hungarian population data, while we obtained worse results in the field of alcohol consumption. In international comparison, the results of Hungarian colleagues in the field of smoking and alcohol consumption are good. The frequent occurrence of depression and burnout is a significant problem among family physicians. Monitoring and caring for their mental health is a key factor in the effective health care system. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(12): 449­457.

Training concept of integrative medicine in Hungary based on international models / Az integratív medicina képzésének hazai koncepciója nemzetközi minták alapján.

Integrative medicine is a new approach in the 21st century healthcare system, which integrates conventional medicine and evidence-based, safe and efficient complementary therapies into a unified biomedicine. Medical doctors and complementary therapists work together in partnership with patients to help them recover and live a whole life. Equally important is the maintenance and enhancement of health and well-being in which therapists become role-models. In this article, the authors introduce a proposal for the concept and major elements of a two-year integrative medicine postgraduate training for specialist doctors in Hungary and summarize international progress in the field. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(27): 1122-1130.

Care management of patients with high cardiovascular risk in Hungary an international and Hungarian longitudinal comparison of target level achievement.

BACKGROUND: Patients with high cardiovascular risk are usually cared for in primary care settings. Assessment of the effectiveness of long-time care was a subject of many European studies in the last two decades. This paper aims to present two Hungarian primary care cross sectional surveys and to compare their results to the primary care arms of the European Action on Secondary and Primary Prevention by Intervention to Reduce Events (EUROASPIRE) III. and IV. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2011, 679 patients with high cardiovascular risk were recruited in 20 Hungarian primary care practices and 628 patients were selected in 40 practices between 2015 and 2016. The actual national recommendations were used for classification, all based on European guidelines. Achievements of target levels for blood pressure, total-, LDL-and HDL-cholesterols, triglyceride, and HbA1c (in diabetics) were recorded and analyzed. Further cardiovascular risk factors, such as smoking, BMI, waist-circumference were also evaluated. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant improvement in the management of blood-pressure and plasma LDL-cholesterol levels among high risk patients, while there was no change in the plasma triglyceride values. The effectiveness of diabetes care deteriorated. In international relation, the management of blood pressure and plasma LDL-cholesterol values were better in Hungary when compared to the results of EUROASPIRE III-IV. studies, while the previous advantage in diabetes care disappeared. A higher proportion of diabetic patients was above the target values in Hungary than the means of the European surveys. There was a higher proportion of smokers in the Hungarian samples, while the proportion of obese and overweight patients was similar to the European sample. CONCLUSIONS: Primary care has a unique role in cardiovascular prevention. Although many of the patients are managed appropriately, there is a need to improve primary care services in Hungary, giving more competences to GPs in prescription and introducing structural changes in the healthcare system.

The Diagnosis and Therapy of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Hungary: Comparison of Strategies Applied by Family Physicians and Internists.

BACKGROUND AIMS: Most patients with Helicobacter pylori infection are consulted for the first time by family physicians. We aimed to survey the adherence to the newest guidelines of the management of H. pylori infection in the primary and secondary care settings in Hungary. METHODS: From a total of 793 physicians, 94 trainees in family medicine, 334 family physicians without and 195 with board certification in internal medicine, 87 internists, 78 family paediatricians were invited to take part in the study. Diagnostic and therapeutic attitudes towards H. pylori infection were compared by a voluntary and anonymous questionnaire. RESULTS: Participants test for H. pylori infection in 92.8% of cases with a family history of peptic ulcer or 76.9% of gastric cancer, 68.9% of dyspepsia and 49.9% of non-specific abdominal complaints, before initiation of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID; 17.3%) and antiplatelet treatment (14.5%), respectively. They confirm the success of eradication therapy in 88.1% mainly by urea breath test. Most of them initiate eradication therapy by themselves and only 22.4% refer their patients to a gastroenterologist. Clarithromycin-based standard triple therapy is the most preferred (62.1%) and only 3.7% choose quadruple combination with bismuth as first-line and 48.1% as second-line therapy. We found significant differences between groups with respect to the physicians' own infection, localization of practice, and sources of information on H. pylori infection. Internists are more likely to clarify H. pylori status before the initiation of NSAID and antiplatelet therapies, initiate second-line therapies and use bismuth compared to the other groups. Family physicians with board certification in internal medicine are also prone to start eradication therapy and less prone to refer patients to a gastroenterologist. Family paediatricians prefer stool antigen determination, screen family members and prefer gastroenterologist consultation more often, and use bismuth less frequently than the other groups. Family physicians with previous infection check for H. pyloriinfection more frequently before the initiation of NSAID treatment and are more likely to use histology to detect H. pylori. Postgraduate trainings were the most popular source of information. CONCLUSION: The adherence to the recent recommendations of current guidelines is moderate. There is a need to increase adherence to current recommendations by family physicians and internists.

Serum fetuin-A, tumor necrosis factor alpha and C-reactive protein concentrations in patients with hereditary angioedema with C1-inhibitor deficiency.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hereditary angioedema with C1-inhibitor deficiency (C1-INH-HAE) is characterized by localized, non-pitting, and transient swelling of submucosal or subcutaneous region. Human fetuin-A is a multifunctional glycoprotein that belongs to the proteinase inhibitor cystatin superfamily and has structural similarities to the high molecular weight kininogen. Fetuin-A is also known a negative acute phase reactant with anti-inflammatory characteristics. In this study we aimed to determine serum fetuin-A, C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) concentrations in patients with C1-INH-HAE during symptom-free period and during attacks and compare them to those of healthy controls. Further we analyzed possible relationship among these parameters as well as D-dimer levels which was known as marker of HAE attacks. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Serum samples of 25 C1-INH-HAE patients (8 men, 17 women, age: 33.1 ± 6.9 years, mean ± SD) were compared to 25 healthy controls (15 men, 10 women, age: 32.5 ± 7.8 years). Serum fetuin-A and TNFα concentrations were determined by ELISA, CRP and D-dimer by turbidimetry. RESULTS: Compared to healthy controls patients with C1-INH-HAE in the symptom-free period had significantly decreased serum fetuin-A 258 µg/ml (224-285) vs. 293 µg/ml (263-329), (median (25-75% percentiles, p = 0.035) and TNFα 2.53 ng/ml (1.70-2.83) vs. 3.47 ng/ml (2.92-4.18, p = 0.0008) concentrations. During HAE attacks fetuin-A levels increased from 258 (224-285) µg/ml to 287 (261-317) µg/ml (p = 0.021). TNFα and CRP levels did not change significantly. We found no significant correlation among fetuin-A CRP, TNFα and D-dimer levels in any of these three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with C1-INH-HAE have decreased serum fetuin-A concentrations during the symptom-free period. Given the anti-inflammatory properties of fetuin-A, the increase of its levels may contribute to the counter-regulation of edema formation during C1-INH-HAE attacks.

Licensing the first reduced, 6 µg dose whole virion, aluminum adjuvanted seasonal influenza vaccine - A randomized-controlled multicenter trial.

INTRODUCTION: Shortages of vaccine supplies repeatedly occur, limiting our abilities to prevent influenza. Therefore, increasing production volume remains a priority. The presently licensed seasonal influenza vaccines contain 15 µg of viral hemagglutinin per strain in adult, and up to 60 µg in elderly patients. Decreasing the amount of viral parts while maintaining efficacy is one way of increasing production capacity. METHODS: This was multicenter, stratified (18-60 years and >60 years of age), prospective, randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, parallel-arm, non-inferiority clinical trial, conducted in the European Union, involving 1206 patients. We used hemagglutination inhibition assay to assess the immunogenicity of a newly developed, whole virion, seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine, containing 6 µg hemagglutinin per strain (FluArt, Hungary) and to assess whether it is non-inferior to the presently licensed vaccine containing 15 µg hemagglutinin per strain. Safety and tolerability of both vaccines were assessed based on EMEA guidelines. RESULTS: The reduced dose vaccine containing 6 µg of hemagglutinin per strain was safe and non-inferior to the currently licensed 15 µg vaccine, not only in adult, but also in elderly patients, according to the immunogenicity criteria by the FDA and EMEA (seroconversion, seroprotection and post/pre vaccination GMT ratios), and it fulfilled all applicable licensing requirements for both age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results, the reduced dose vaccine was licensed in the EU member state Hungary and safely administered in over 1.5 million cases so far. The amount of viral hemagglutinin needed can be reduced by using a whole virion vaccine with aluminum phosphate adjuvants. REGISTRATION: This study was registered by the European Clinical Trials Database, EudraCT, number: 2011-003314-16.

Potential correlates of burnout among general practitioners and residents in Hungary: the significant role of gender, age, dependant care and experience.

BACKGROUND: Burnout is increasingly prevalent among general practitioners (GPs) in Hungary, which may lead to functional impairment and, subsequently, to poor quality of patient care. However, little is known about potential predictors of burnout among GPs. The aim of this study was to explore psychosocial correlates of burnout among GPs and residents in Hungary. METHODS: We collected socio-demographic and work-related data with self-administered questionnaires in a cross-sectional study among GPs (N = 196) and residents (N = 154). We assessed burnout with the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) and calculated the mean level of burnout and the proportion of physicians suffering from low, intermediate and high degree of burnout. To identify potential socio-demographic and work-related correlates of burnout among physicians, we determined Spearman's and Mann-Whitney U correlation coefficients and conducted stepwise linear regression analyses. We deployed Mann-Whitney U test to explore gender disparity in the level of burnout between female and male physicians and between general practitioners and residents. RESULTS: The prevalence of moderate to high level emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and impaired personal accomplishment was 34.7, 33.5 and 67.8% as well as 41.0, 43.1, and 71.1% among GPs and residents, respectively. Residents reported significantly lower level of personal accomplishment vs GPs. We identified a significantly higher level of depersonalization among male physicians compared to female physicians. Age correlated negatively with emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and positively with personal accomplishment among GPs. Dependant care was positively associated with burnout among female GPs. Female residents were more likely to report depersonalization. High workload was positively correlated with depersonalization among female GPs. Younger age emerged as the strongest predictor of emotional exhaustion. Male gender and fewer years of experience predicted depersonalization best, and male gender showed a significant predictive relationship with low personal accomplishment. CONCLUSION: We identified specific socio-demographic and work-related correlates of burnout, which may guide the development of specific and effective organizational decisions to attenuate occupational stress and subsequent burnout as well as functional impairment among GPs, and thus, may improve the quality of patient care.

Perceived cardiovascular risk and attitude towards lifestyle change.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are prominent cause of death. Lifestyle change is effective in decreasing mortality. Perception of patients' cardiovascular risk by physicians is a drive for following preventive recommendations. Whether the hazard perceived by patients influences their attitude towards lifestyle is uncertain. Objective: We hypothesized that high perceived risk would be associated with a stronger determination for lifestyle change, while incorrectly optimistic patients would be less motivated. Methods: Two hundred patients visiting their family physicians were asked to fill out a questionnaire about demographic, clinical and lifestyle characteristics, about their attitude towards lifestyle change and their estimation of their cardiovascular risk. Actual risk was estimated by family physicians based on the national guideline. Results: Questionnaires were completed by 80.5% (161/200) of patients approached. Patients underestimated their risk (P < 0.001), mainly because high-/very high-risk patients classified themselves into lower risk categories. The majority of patients were planning a lifestyle change, losing weight being the most popular goal. It was the priority even for some normal weight subjects and for smokers, too. Perceived risk played a marginal role as a determinant of lifestyle change. Underestimation of perceived risk had no effect on patients' motivation. Self-rated obesity was the predictor of three out of five means of change (weight loss, diet, physical activity). Conclusion: Perceived cardiovascular risk and incorrect optimism about this hazard have minimal, if any, influence on attitude towards lifestyle change. Patients' motivation seems not to be primarily health related.

An appraisal: how notifiable infectious diseases are reported by Hungarian family physicians.

BACKGROUND: Within the frame of National Epidemiological Surveillance System, family physicians have an obligation to report infections and suspicions cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, daily practice and the reporting activities of Hungarian family physicians regarding to infectious diseases. METHODS: A self-administered survey was developed, validated and used. The survey was completed by family physicians who had taken part in continuous medical educational programmes of all Hungarian medical faculties. The questionnaire, consisting demographic questions and 10 statements about their reporting habits were completed by 347 doctors, 8% of the total number of family physicians. The data were processed in a cross-sectional design with general linear model. RESULTS: According to the majority of responders, the current reporting system works efficiently. Rural physicians were mainly agreed, that reporting is not a simply obligation, it is a professional task as well. They were less hindered in daily work by reporting activities, waited less for laboratory confirmation before reporting, reported suspicious cases more frequently. Practitioner's based in urban settlements preferred to await laboratory tests before reporting and were hindered less by failures of the electronic reporting system. Older physicians trusted more in the recent system and they wished to increase the number of reports. Female physicians have higher consciousness in epidemiology. They were mostly in agreement that even severe infectious diseases can be diagnosed at primary care level and their daily practices were less burdened by reporting duties. CONCLUSIONS: Both the epidemiological knowledge of general practitioners' and the electronic surveillance systems should be improved. There is a need to develope the electronic infrastructure of primary care. More and regular control is also expected by the health care authorities, beside the synthesis of professional and governmental expectations and regulations.

[Safety data of the new, reduced-dose influenza vaccine FluArt after its first season on the market]. / Az új, csökkentett dózisú, hazai gyártású influenzavakcina (FluArt) forgalomba hozatalát követo elso szezonjának biztonságossági vizsgálata.

INTRODUCTION: The currently licensed seasonal influenza vaccines contain split, subunit or whole virions, typically in amounts of 15 µg hemagglutinin per virus strain for adult and up to 60 µg in elderly patients. AIM: The present study reports safety data of the newly licensed, reduced dose vaccine with 6 µg of hemagglutinin per strain produced by Fluart (Hungary) after its first season on the market. The main objective of enhanced safety surveillance was to detect a potential increase in reactogenicity and allergic events that is intrinsic to the product in near real-time in the earliest vaccinated cohorts. METHOD: The study methods were based on the Interim guidance on enhanced safety surveillance for seasonal influenza vaccines in the EU by the European Medicines Agency. STATISTICS: We used the Fisher exact test with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: We studied 587 patients and detected a total 24 adverse events, all of which have already been known during the licensing studies of the present vaccine. The frequencies of the adverse events were not different from what had been seen with the previously licensed 15 µg vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results, the authors conclude that the new, reduced dose vaccine FluArt is safe and tolerable. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(49): 1953-1959.