The Course of COVID-19 among Unvaccinated Patients-Data from the National Hospital in Warsaw, Poland.

INTRODUCTION: Studies to date indicate the relatively high effectiveness of vaccinations in preventing severe COVID-19 symptoms. However, in Poland, 40% of the population remains unvaccinated. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe the natural history of COVID-19 in unvaccinated hospital patients in Warsaw, Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study evaluated data from 50 adult patients from the National Hospital in Warsaw, Poland, in the period 26 November 2021 to 11 March 2022. None of these patients had been vaccinated against COVID-19. RESULTS: Analysis showed that the average hospitalisation time for these unvaccinated COVID-19 patients was 13 days. Clinical deterioration was observed in 70% of these patients, 40% required the intensive care unit, and 34% subsequently died prior to the end of the study. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant deterioration and high mortality rate in the unvaccinated patients. For this reason, it seems prudent to take measures to increase the vaccination coverage level of the population against COVID-19.

Role of Phytoestrogen-Rich Bioactive Substances (Linum usitatissimum L., Glycine max L., Trifolium pratense L.) in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The aim of this report was to determine the impact of flaxseed, soy and red clover, and their bioactive substances on the lipid profile in postmenopausal women in cardiovascular diseases prevention. We used the following databases: MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE and the Cochrane Library. Meta-analysis indicates that the intake of flaxseed by postmenopausal women is associated with a statistically significant reduction in total cholesterol (TC) levels (weighted-mean difference (WMD) = -0.26; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): -0.38 to -0.13; p = 0.0001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (WMD = -0.19; 95% CI: -0.30 to -0.08; p = 0.0006), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (WMD = -0.06; 95% CI: -0.11 to -0.01; p = 0.0150). The effect of soy protein on the lipid profile showed a significant decrease in TC levels: WMD = -0.15; 95% CI: -0.25-0.05; p = 0.0048, LDL-C levels: WMD = -0.15; 95% CI: -0.25-0.05; p = 0.0067, as well as a significant increase in HDL-C levels: WMD = 0.05; 95% CI: 0.02-0.08; p = 0.0034. Changes in the lipid profile showed a significant reduction in TC levels after the use of red clover (WMD = -0.11; 95% CI: -0.18--0.04; p = 0.0017) and a significant increase in HDL-C levels (WMD = 0.04; 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.07; p = 0.0165). This meta-analysis provides evidence that consuming flaxseed, soy and red clover can have a beneficial effect on lipids in postmenopausal women and suggest a favorable effect in preventing cardiovascular diseases.

Assessment of the Level of Satisfaction with Medical Care of Patients Treated in Osteoporosis Clinics as an Indicator of the Quality of Medical Care.

The aims of this research are to assess the level of satisfaction with medical care among patients treated in osteoporosis clinics and to determine the relationship among the frequency of visits to the doctor, the duration of treatment, socio-demographic factors, and patient satisfaction with the medical care they receive. The study was conducted from August 2016 to July 2018 at osteoporosis clinics in eastern Poland. The study participants were 312 patients treated for osteopenia or osteoporosis. The authors utilized two research instruments: the PASAT POZ questionnaire and their own questionnaire. The results indicate that the duration of osteoporosis treatment is a factor that significantly influences the level of satisfaction with medical care: the longer the treatment time, the poorer the assessment of the clinic, and therefore, the lower the patient degree of satisfaction. Our analysis shows that women assess clinics more positively overall. Additionally, the higher the study participants' age, the lower the general assessment of the clinic. A further analysis showed that respondents in better financial situations and with higher levels of education tended to assess clinics more favorably. The Pareto-Lorenz analysis indicated that the key element in general assessments of specialist clinics is the doctor. It is advisable for health service providers to monitor the quality of health care they are providing and make improvements. Therefore, further research is needed, especially in relation to chronic diseases such as osteoporosis.

Public Perception of Pharmacists in Poland.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacists constitute one of the largest groups of medical professionals and play a significant role in public health. Pharmaceutical care in community pharmacies is one of the key elements that impact the clinical outcomes of patients. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the public perception of pharmacists in Poland, as well as the knowledge of and willingness of Polish people to use pharmaceutical care services. METHODS: This study was carried out in 2017 on 1435 people. The research tool was an anonymous online questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the participants, 61% considered pharmacists to have a position of public trust, and 25% trusted pharmacists to a lesser extent than representatives of other medical professions. The participants stated that pharmacists were kind (74%) and helpful (69%). For 52% of the participants, pharmacists were fully competent to provide information on medications. Twenty-eight percent of the participants ask pharmacists for advice related to medicinal products. Poles' knowledge on pharmaceutical care was low (44% of the respondents knew this notion). Sixty-six percent of the participants were willing to use pharmaceutical consultations (43% free of charge, and 23% for a nominal fee). CONCLUSIONS: Although the overall perception of patients towards pharmacists was positive in Poland, it is essential to educate patients on the possibilities of using pharmaceutical services, and to promote the role of pharmacists in healthcare systems.