Independent reaching of the sitting position depends on the motor performance in the 3rd month of life.

OBJECTIVE: Sitting is one of milestones in motor development. However, reaching of the sitting position must precede achieving the ability of independent sitting. Qualitative assessment of motor performance at 3 months of age, with the prospective quantitative assessment of the function of independent reaching of the sitting position at the age of 8 months. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 125 children, 51 girls and 74 boys (born at term n = 78; born prematurely n = 47) were subject to prospective assessment of motor development with qualitative characteristics at the age of 3 months and quantitative characteristics at the age of 8 months. In parallel, the children were subjected to neurological assessment. Risk factors that could potentially affect motor development were analyzed. RESULTS: Children who at the age of 3 months performed at least 13 /15 qualitative elements in the prone position and at least 13/15 qualitative elements in the supine position, at the age of 8 months reached independently the sitting position. Poor qualitative assessment at the age of 3 months and a higher prevalence of risk factors increased the risk of non-reaching the sitting position. In the prone position, the pelvis, lower limbs, the arms and shoulders showed the most expressed differences between the children who reached or did not reached the independent sitting. For the supine position, the pelvis and lower limbs, as well as the extension of the spine and correct alignment of the shoulders showed the most expressed differences. CONCLUSIONS: Proper qualitative development at the age of 3 months is a good predictor of the achievement of independent reaching of the sitting position at the age of 8 months.

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and total antioxidant status in patients with essential arterial hypertension and dyslipidemia.

PURPOSE: To assess low-grade, systemic inflammation and antioxidant status as additional factors contributing to pathophysiology of essential arterial hypertension (HTN) and compare them with traditional risk factors, like abnormal lipids profile, considering their potential diagnostic usefulness. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentrations and total antioxidant status (TAS) were measured in 143 subjects - 71 patients with diagnosed HTN and in 72 healthy controls. RESULTS: In hypertensive patients, as compared to healthy control group, the median hs-CRP concentration was higher (2.0 mg/L, 25%; 75% quartile range: 0.1; 27.1 vs 0.4 mg/L, 25%; 75% quartile range: 0.0; 4.6, respectively, p<0.001) and TAS concentration lower (1.4 mmol/L, 25%; 75% quartile range: 1.0; 2.1 vs 1.5 mmol/L, 25%; 75% quartile range: 0.5; 1.8, respectively, p=0.048). Hypertensives had higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration (LDL-C) as well as triglycerides concentration (TG) and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration (HDL-C). Higher diagnostic sensitivity was found for hs-CRP (87%) and for TAS (89%). According to the global linear regression analysis, age, gender, hs-CRP, TAS and HDL-C were the only parameters influencing the occurrence of HTN. ROC analysis identified hs-CRP, HDL-C and TG as statistically significant to diagnose HTN (0.839; 0.816 and 0.855, respectively). Moreover, in ROC analysis there were no differences in hs-CRP and TAS in females and males. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that low-grade, systemic inflammation measured by hs-CRP as well as antioxidant status assessed by TAS, in the presence of traditional risk factors, are significant factors contributing to pathophysiology and diagnosis of essential arterial hypertension.

Periodontal condition in patients with cardiovascular diseases.

UNLABELLED: The cardiovascular system diseases constitute a serious problem for modern medicine. THE AIM: To investigate the potential risk and the connection of periodontal diseases and cardiovascular disorders. MATERIAL: The examination was performed in the group of 104 patients of both sexes, aged 50-90 years. The patients were divided into two groups: group I--patients with hypertension (47 subjects), group II--patients with fresh myocardial infarction, treated with primary coronary angioplasty (57 subjects). METHODS: The OHI index, according to Greene and Vermillion, was used to assess the oral hygiene and periodontal clinical conditions were evaluated according to Russell's PI index, modified by Davies. CPI index was used to estimate the state of periodontium. Teeth loss was classified according to the Eichner's classification. RESULTS: The value of OHI index differs in both groups. Highest value was registered at 5 patients in the I group vs 2 in the II group. Lowest value was recorded in 11 patients in the I group and 4 in the II group. The value 0.0-0.2 PI was recorded at 14 persons in the I group and 11 in the II group. The value 1.6-3.8 of PI index was registered at 2 in the I group and 6 in the II group. Healthy periodontium was stated in 10 patients with hypertension and only 2 with myocardial infarction. The CPI = 2 was shown in 12 patients with hypertension and 11 with myocardial infarction, CPI = 3 was shown in 23 patients with myocardial infarction. CONCLUSION: The studies revealed bad condition of the oral cavities of patients with hypertension, and specifically with fresh myocardial infarction.

Low dose rofecoxib, inflammation and prostacyclin synthesis in acute coronary syndromes.

PURPOSE: To assess the influence of low dose rofecoxib on inflammatory mediators and prostacyclin synthesis in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in a short-term follow up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty nine patients with ACS without ST elevation were randomized to simvastatin alone or together with low dose rofecoxib. Serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), 6-keto-PGF-1alpha--stable product of prostacyclin (PGT2) and hs-C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were assessed on enrollment and after 30-day follow up. RESULTS: Combination of rofecoxib with statin significantly decreased levels of hs-CRP after one month therapy (5.21 mg/l +/- 4.12 vs 2.11 mg/l +/- 2.1; p=0.0092). This effect was not evident in a group on statin alone (3.95 mg/l +/- 3.33 vs 2.48 mg/l +/- 2.39; p=0.31). 6-keto-PGF-1alpha increased not significantly in both groups. IL-6 concentration has not changed during follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Low dose of selective COX-2 inhibitor exerts significant anti-inflammatory effect and does not diminish PG12 synthesis in study group of patients with ACS.