Echocardiographic Assessment of Left Ventricular Function in Three Oncologic Therapeutic Modalities in Women with Breast Cancer: The ONCO-ECHO Multicenter Study.

Background: Oncological treatment of breast cancer may be associated with adverse effects on myocardial function. Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the influence of three oncological treatment methods of intervention on the echocardiographic (ECHO) parameters of left ventricular function. Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty-five women with breast cancer were divided into three groups depending on the type of therapy used: group I (AC)-anthracyclines; group II (AC + TZ)-anthracyclines + trastuzumab; and group III (RTls+)-anthracyclines with or without trastuzumab + left-sided radiotherapy. Prospective ECHO examinations were performed at baseline and every 3 months, up to 12 months from the start of the therapy. Patients with a history of chemotherapy or who were diagnosed with heart disease were not included in the study. Results: Out of 155 patients, 3 died due to cancer as the primary cause, and 12 withdrew their consent for further observation. Baseline systolic and diastolic ECHO parameters did not differ between the analyzed groups. Cardiotoxicity, according to the LVEF criteria, occurred during follow-up in 20 patients (14.3%), irrespective of the treatment method used. Diastolic echocardiographic parameters did not change significantly after 12 months in each group, except for the left atrial volume index (LAVi), which was significantly higher in the AC + TZ compared to the values in the RTls+ group. Conclusions: All three oncologic therapeutic modalities in women with breast cancer showed no significant differences in relation to the incidence of echocardiographic cardiotoxicity criterion; however, transient systolic decrease in LVEF was most frequently observed in the AC + TZ therapeutic regimen. Left-sided radiotherapy was not associated with excess left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction during a 12-month follow-up period. The predictors of negative changes in diastolic parameters included age and combined anthracycline and trastuzumab therapy.

Evaluation of Health Pattern and Stress Levels among Patients Undergoing Alcohol Addiction Treatment-A Cross Sectional Study.

Alcohol consumption is linked to over 200 diseases and injuries. It is also classified as a risk factor for several types of neoplasms as well as infectious diseases (i.e., HIV and tuberculosis). In 2019, among people aged 25 to 49, alcohol use was the leading risk factor for attributable burden of disease. There are many factors that affect alcohol drinking patterns such as social and economic status, social norms, cultural customs, availability of alcohol, etc. Stress also plays a significant role in the process of developing alcohol addiction. The aim of our study was to examine health patterns and stress levels among patients undergoing alcohol addiction treatment. The study sample consisted of 104 patients who were treated in a hospital ward due to alcohol dependence. Three standardized questionnaire tools were used to measure the sense of coherence and the level of stress among those patients. The main results suggest that the level of perceived stress correlated negatively with all dimensions of sense of coherence and all indicators of health behaviors, however, age was positively correlated with positive mental attitude, proper eating habits, and health behaviors. In conclusion, it is worth noting that developing patterns for positive health behaviors will make it possible to avoid alcohol dependence or reinforce the treatment results if alcohol dependence syndrome occurs.

Acceptance of Illness and Coping with Stress among Patients Undergoing Alcohol Addiction Therapy.

(1) Background: Acceptance of illness is a process in which a person with an illness accepts its presence and treats it as an integral part of their life. With regard to alcoholism, acceptance of illness is one of the important elements of the healing process. (2) Methods: The study group consisted of 104 residents in an addiction treatment ward. Questionnaires SOC-29, AIS and PSS-10 were used to check levels of coherence, stress and acceptance of illness. The analysis was based on regression analysis. Patient age was analysed as a moderator of correlations between perceived indicators. Moderation analysis was based on the simple moderation model. (3) Results: The level of perceived stress correlated negatively with all areas of the sense of coherence and with acceptance of illness. All areas of the sense of coherence correlated with acceptance of illness positively. (4) Conclusions: The acceptance of illness by the patient is a factor that can be motivating for further treatment, through a positive approach to illness and strengthening the sense of control in experiencing it. The combination of strengthening behavioural, cognitive and motivational resources can be used in the treatment of people experiencing the challenges of addiction to alcohol.

Efficacy and safety of hybrid epicardial and endocardial ablation versus endocardial ablation in patients with persistent and longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation: a randomised, controlled trial.

Background: Endocardial catheter ablation (CA) has limited long-term benefit for persistent and longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation (PersAF/LSPAF). We hypothesized hybrid epicardial-endocardial ablation (HA) would have superior effectiveness compared to CA, including repeat (rCA), in PersAF/LSPAF. Methods: CEASE-AF (NCT02695277) is a prospective, multi-center, randomized controlled trial. Nine hospitals in Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, United Kingdom, and the Netherlands enrolled eligible participants with symptomatic, drug refractory PersAF and left atrial diameter (LAD) > 4.0 cm or LSPAF. Randomization was 2:1 to HA or CA by an independent statistician and stratified by site. Treatment assignments were masked to the core rhythm monitoring laboratory. For HA, pulmonary veins (PV) and left posterior atrial wall were isolated with thoracoscopic epicardial ablation including left atrial appendage exclusion. Endocardial touch-up ablation was performed 91-180 days post-index procedure. For CA, endocardial PV isolation and optional substrate ablation were performed. rCA was permitted between days 91-180. Primary effectiveness was freedom from AF/atrial flutter/atrial tachycardia >30-s through 12-months absent class I/III anti-arrhythmic drugs except those not exceeding previously failed doses. It was assessed in the modified intention-to-treat (mITT) population who had the index procedure and follow-up data. Major complications were assessed in the ITT population who had the index procedure. Thirty-six month follow-up continues. Findings: Enrollment began November 20, 2015 and ended May 22, 2020. In 154 ITT patients (102 HA; 52 CA), 75% were male, mean age was 60.7 ± 7.9 years, mean LAD was 4.7 ± 0.4 cm, and 81% had PersAF. Primary effectiveness was 71.6% (68/95) in HA versus 39.2% (20/51) in CA (absolute benefit increase: 32.4% [95% CI 14.3%-48.0%], p < 0.001). Major complications through 30-days after index procedures plus 30-days after second stage/rCA were similar (HA: 7.8% [8/102] versus CA: 5.8% [3/52], p = 0.75). Interpretation: HA had superior effectiveness compared to CA/rCA in PersAF/LSPAF without significant procedural risk increase. Funding: AtriCure, Inc.

Treatment goal attainment for secondary prevention in coronary patients with or without diabetes mellitus - Polish multicenter study POLASPIRE.

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is still a leading cause of death in Poland and across Europe. The aim of this study was to assess the attainment of the main treatment goals for secondary cardiovascular prevention in coronary patients with or without diabetes mellitus (DM) in Poland. Material and methods: The study group included 1026 patients (65.5 ±9 y.o.; males: 72%) included at least 6 months after the index hospitalisation for myocardial infarction, unstable angina, elective percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass surgery. The target and treatment goals were defined according to the 2016 European Society of Cardiology guidelines on cardiovascular prevention. Results: Patients with DM (n = 332; 32%) were slightly older compared to non-diabetic (n = 694) individuals (67.2 ±7 vs. 64.6 ±9 years old; p < 0.0001). The DM goal was achieved in 196 patients (60%). The rate of primary (LDL: 51% vs. 35%; p < 0.0001) and secondary (non-HDL: 56% vs. 48%; p < 0.02) goal attainment was higher in DM(+) compared to DM(-) patients. The rate of target blood pressure was lower in DM(+) than in normoglycemic patients (52% vs. 61% at < 140/90 mm Hg, p < 0.01. As expected, goal achievement of normal weight (9.5% vs. 19%; p < 0.0001) and waist circumference (7% vs. 15%; p < 0.001) was lower in diabetic patients and the rate of regular physical activity was similar (DM+ 12% vs. DM- 14%; p = ns). Finally, there was no difference in active smokers (DM+ 23% vs. DM- 22%; p = ns). Conclusions: Great majority of Polish patients in secondary prevention do not achieve treatment goals. Although lipid goals attainment is better in DM and the rate of smokers is similar, the management of all risk factors needs to be improved.

Quality of Life in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer-A Literature Review.

Pancreatic cancer is the malignant disease with the highest mortality rate, and it ranks third in the world after lung and colon cancer. Identified factors that increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer include chronic pancreatitis, radiation therapy to the pancreatic area due to another cancer, diabetes mellitus, obesity, smoking, and age. The objective of this study was to present the current state of knowledge on the quality of life of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, factors that determine QoL, and ways of coping with the disease. The low curability and low survival rates of pancreatic cancer significantly affect the quality of life of patients, often in the form of significant deterioration, especially in terms of mental changes, cognitive functions, and coping with the disease. Cognitive decline with comorbid depression is also typical for patients with this type of cancer. Research has shown that the health-related quality of life of patients with pancreatic cancer is low, so further research is needed to improve the situation in this area.

An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for primary prevention in non-ischemic cardiomyopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Recent data regarding the comparison of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy and optimal medical treatment in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy has indicated no mortality benefit as a result of ICD therapy. Although the recommendations for ICD implantation did not change, it is worth noting that these findings significantly affected the daily practice of ICD implantation in Europe. METHODS: To assess the effect of ICD implantation in comparison to pharmacotherapy in the non- -ischemic cardiomyopathy heart failure population through a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available carefully designed prospective randomized controlled trials. Only prospective randomized controlled trials comparing ICD implantation in primary prevention vs. optimal pharmacological therapy or placebo and reporting mortality results were included in the meta-analysis. The authors have chosen to include the following trials: CAT, AMIOVIRT, DEFINITE, and DANISH. RESULTS: A meta-analysis of pooled hazard ratios (HR) from all trials conducted on a total of 1789 patients found that ICD therapy decreased all-cause mortality in comparison to optimal pharmacological treatment, with a HR of 0.48 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.67-1.01); p = 0.06. The data from the AMIOVIRT, DANISH, and DEFINITE trials, with a total of 1677 participants, showed a significant reduction of sudden cardiac deaths as a result of ICD implantation, with a HR of 0.48 (95% CI 0.31-0.67); p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison with optimal medical treatment, ICD implantation in patients with heart failure improves the long-term prognosis in terms of sudden cardiac death, with a strong tendency towards all-cause mortality reduction.

Influence of Selected Indicators of Healthcare System Functioning Evaluation on the Health Result.

BACKGROUND: According to the World Health Organization's statistics, 7 of the 10 main causes of death in 2019 were noncommunicable diseases. Health indicators are measures used to evaluate public health system effectiveness and functioning. Monitoring mortality rates from leading causes, life expectancy and other health indicators is essential to address their causes and adapt health systems to react adequately. The aim of this study is to present the dependencies of selected health care indicators and health outcomes. METHODS: Based on the literature review conducted, selected health indicators, along with healthcare system data, were analyzed using Pearson's r correlation. The analyses included data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) presented in statistics and the Health at a Glance 2021 report and data collected as part of the preparation of the Financing Global Health 2020 report by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. RESULTS: Health system resources are linked to health outcomes. The number of medical consultations, the number of nurses per patient or the level of financing of services under general health insurance are related to life expectancy and deaths due to causes that could have been avoided or treated. CONCLUSIONS: Life expectancy is positively correlated with access to general health insurance and public expenditure on healthcare. There is a need for all countries to provide their citizens with broad access to healthcare services.

Effect of Vitamin D Concentration on Course of COVID-19.

BACKGROUND The course of COVID-19 disease is associated with immune deregulation and excessive release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Vitamin D has an immunomodulatory effect. We aimed to assess the possible correlation between the incidence and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection and serum vitamin D concentration. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 505 successive patients admitted to a COVID-19-dedicated hospital were included in the retrospective analysis. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels and SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR throat swab test results were determined for each patient. The course of COVID-19 was assessed on the basis of the serum Vitamin Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS), which includes respiratory rate, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and state of consciousness), as well as number of days spent in the intensive care unit (ICU) and need for oxygen therapy. RESULTS There was no difference in 25-OHD concentration between COVID-19-confirmed and negative results of the PCR tests. No correlation was found between serum 25-OHD in the COVID(+) group and the need for and time spend in the ICU, as well as the MEWS score. Multivariate analyses showed a positive correlation between need for oxygen therapy and lower 25-OHD concentration, as well as older age (P<0.001) and similar positive correlation between need for ventilation therapy with lower 25-OHD concentration, as well as older age (P=0.005). CONCLUSIONS Our findings do not support a potential link between vitamin D concentrations and the incidence of COVID-19, but low vitamin D serum level in COVID-19 patients might worsen the course of the disease and increase the need for oxygen supplementation or ventilation therapy.

Recollection of Physician Information about Risk Factor and Lifestyle Changes in Chronic Coronary Syndrome Patients.

A patient's compliance to a physician's lifestyle information is essential in chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) patients. We assessed potential characteristics associated with a patient's recollection of physician information and lifestyle changes. This study recruited and interviewed patients (aged ≤ 80 years) 6-18 months after hospitalization due to acute coronary syndrome or elective myocardial revascularization. A physician's information on risk factors was recognized if patients recollected the assessment of their diet, weight management, blood pressure control, cholesterol level, diabetes, and other lifestyle factors by the doctor. Of a total of 946 chronic coronary syndrome patients, 52.9% (501) of them declared the recollection of providing information on more than 80% of the risk factors. A good recollection of risk factor information was associated with the following: a patient's age (OR per year: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.95 to 0.99), obesity (OR: 4.41; 95% CI: 3.09-6.30), diabetes (OR: 4.16; 95% CI: 2.96-5.84), diuretic therapy (OR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.03-1.91), calcium channel blockers (OR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.04-2.09), and ACEI/sartan (OR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.45-0.94) at hospitalization discharge. In terms of goal attainment, better adherence to antihypertensive drugs (OR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.07-3.03) was observed in the patients with a good compared to a poor recollection of risk factor information. The recollection of physician risk factor information was significantly associated with more comorbidities. Strategies to tailor the conveying of information to a patient's perception are needed for optimal patient-doctor communication.

Secondary prevention of coronary heart disease in Poland: does sex matter? Results from the POLASPIRE survey.

INTRODUCTION: Adherence to health­promoting behaviors intended to mitigate modifiable risk factors plays an important role in secondary cardiovascular prevention. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate sex differences in the prevalence and control of risk factors in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 1236 patients who experienced acute coronary syndrome or coronary revascularization within the last 6 to 24 months. Definitions of risk factors and treatment goals were based on the 2016 European Society of Cardiology guidelines on cardiovascular prevention. RESULTS: The prevalence of modifiable risk factors in both sexes was high, and their control inadequate. Women were older (P <0.001) and had a higher accumulation of multiple cardiovascular risk factors than men (P = 0.036). They more frequently had central obesity (P <0.001) and reduced values of glomerular filtration rate (P <0.001). Women more often experienced anxiety (P <0.001), reported lower levels of education (P <0.001) and lower income (P = 0.001), and those in the youngest age group were more likely to be exposed to second­hand smoking (P = 0.01). A large fraction of the study patients, men and women alike, did not meet the recommended therapeutic goals. For both sexes, participation in cardiac rehabilitation programs was associated with more frequent attainment of the recommended level of physical activity (P = 0.046) and smoking cessation (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with CHD is high, especially in women. Therapeutic goals are met infrequently in both sexes. This situation calls for widening the access to educational programs and paying greater attention to their proper implementation.

Dyslipidemia Management in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease. Data from the POLASPIRE Survey.

Lipid-lowering in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is related to a lower risk of cardiovascular events. We evaluated factors related to the management of hypercholesterolemia in patients with established CAD. Patients were interviewed 6-18 months after hospitalization for an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or a myocardial revascularization procedure. Statins were prescribed at discharge to 94.4% of patients, while 68.1% of the patients hospitalized for an ACS were prescribed a high-dose statin. Hospitalization in a teaching hospital, percutaneous coronary intervention, cholesterol measurement during hospitalization and the male sex were related to prescription of statins at discharge. The intensity of lipid-lowering therapy in the post-discharge period increased in 17.3%, decreased in 11.7%, and did not change in 71.0% of the patients. The prescription of a lipid-lowering drug (LLD) at discharge (odds ratio 5.88 [95% confidence intervals 3.05-11.34]) and a consultation with a cardiologist (2.48 [1.51-4.08]) were related to the use of LLDs, while age (1.32 [1.10-1.59] per 10 years), loneliness (0.42 [0.19-0.94]), professional activity (1.56 [1.13-2.16]), and diabetes (1.66 [1.27-2.16]) were related to achieving an LDL cholesterol goal 6-18 months after discharge. In conclusion, health-system-related factors are associated with the LLD utilization, whereas mainly patient-related factors are related to the control of hypercholesterolemia following hospitalization for CAD.

Management of Dyslipidemia in Women and Men with Coronary Heart Disease: Results from POLASPIRE Study.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death in Poland. Starting from 1992, a gradual decrease in mortality due to CVDs has been observed, which is less noticeable in women. Following this notion, we assessed sex differences in the implementation of ESC recommendations regarding lipid control and the use of statins as part of secondary CVDs prevention in 1236 patients with acute coronary syndrome or elective coronary revascularization within the last 6-24 months. During hospitalization women had more frequently abnormal TC levels than men (p = 0.035), with overall higher TC levels (p = 0.009) and lower HDL-C levels (p = 0.035). In the oldest group, they also had more frequently elevated LDL-C levels (p = 0.033). Similar relationships were found during the follow-up visit. In addition, women less often achieved the secondary lipid therapeutic goal for non-HDL-C (p = 0.009). At discharge from hospital women were less frequently prescribed statins (p = 0.001), which included high-intensity statins (p = 0.002). At the follow-up visit the use of high-intensity statins was still less frequent in women (p = 0.02). We conclude that women generally have less optimal lipid profiles than men and are less likely to receive high-intensity statins. There is a need for more organized care focused on the management of risk factors.

Statins in COVID-19 Therapy.

Inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3methylgultaryl-coenzyme A reductase (statins) are one of the main groups of drugs used in preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases worldwide. They are widely available, cheap, and well-tolerated. Based on statins' pleiotropic properties, including improvement of endothelial dysfunction, antioxidant properties, atherosclerotic plaque stabilization, and inhibition of inflammatory responses, it can be hypothesized that the use of statins, at least as an adjuvant in antiviral therapy, may be justified. All these effects might be especially beneficial in patients with COVID-19, suffering from endothelial dysfunction, microvascular and macrovascular thrombosis, and cytokine storm. Here, we review the recent data regarding the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 activity in host cells, proposed COVID-19 therapy, the pleiotropic activity of statins, and statins in clinical trials in respiratory infections. According to the guidelines of the European and American Cardiac Societies, in patients with cardiovascular disease or high cardiovascular risk with concomitant COVID-19 it is recommended to continue statin treatment. However, the initiation of statin therapy de novo in COVID-19 treatment should only be done as part of a clinical trial.

Undiagnosed Diabetes and Prediabetes in Patients with Chronic Coronary Syndromes-An Alarming Public Health Issue.

Dysglycemia is a public health challenge for the coming decades, especially in patients with chronic coronary syndromes (CCS). We want to assess the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM) and prediabetes, as well as identify factors associated with the development of dysglycaemia in patients with CCS. In total, 1233 study participants (mean age 69 ± 9 years), who, between 6 and 18 months earlier were hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome or elective revascularization, were examined (71.4% men). The diagnosis of DM, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) have been made according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Based on the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results, DM has been newly diagnosed in 28 (5.1%, mean age 69.9 ± 8.4 years) patients, 75% were male (n = 21). Prediabetes has been observed in 395 (72.3%) cases. IFG was found in 234 (42.9%) subjects, 161 (29.5%) individuals had IGT. According to multinomial logistic regression, body mass index (BMI) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) should be considered when assessing risk of development of dysglycaemia after discharge from the hospital. Among people with previously diagnosed DM, a significantly higher percentage were willing to change their lifestyles after the index event compared to other patients. Patients with chronic coronary syndromes suffer a very high frequency of dysglycaemia. Most patients with chronic coronary syndromes, especially those with high BMI or low HDL-C, should be considered for screening for dysglycemia using OGTT within the first year after hospitalization. A higher percentage of patients who were aware of their diabetic status changed their lifestyles, which added the benefit of timely diagnosis and treatment of diabetes.

Polish Multicenter Registry (Pol-LAS-SE registry). Stress echocardiography in low-gradient aortic stenosis in Poland: numbers, settings, results, complications and clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: The diagnostic workup of low-gradient aortic stenosis (LG AS) is a challenge in clinical practice. AIMS: Our goal was to assess the diagnostic value of stress echocardiography (SE) performed in patients with undefined LG AS with low and preserved ejection fraction (EF) and the impact of its result on therapeutic decisions in Polish third level of reference. METHODS: All the patients with LG AS and with SE performed were recruited in 16 Polish cardiology departments between 2016 and 2019. The main exclusion criteria were as follows: moderate or severe aortic or mitral regurgitation and mitral stenosis. RESULTS: The study group included 163 patients (52% males) with LG AS who underwent SE for adequate diagnostic and therapeutic decision. In 14 patients DSE was non-diagnostic. The mean aortic valve (AV) pressure gradient was 24.1 (7.3) mm Hg, while an AV area was 0.86 (0.2) cm2. Among 149 patients with conclusive DSE, severe AS was found in 59.8%, pseudo-severe in 22%, and moderate AS in 18%. There were no cases of death or vascular events related to DSE. Among 142 patients 63 (44%) patients had an aortic valve intervention in a follow-up (median: 208 days; lower-upper quartile: 73-531 days). Based on the result of the DSE test, severe AS was significantly more often associated with qualification to interventional treatment compared to the moderate and pseudo-severe subgroups (P <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The DSE test in severe AS is a valuable diagnostic tool in patients with LG AS in Poland.

Effects of cardiac rehabilitation on risk factor management and quality of life in patients with ischemic heart disease: a multicenter cross­sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: While cardiac rehabilitation (CR) improves survival outcomes in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD), the long­ term benefits of short term programs are still discussed. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of CR on risk factor management in a multicenter real­ life registry of patients with IHD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included patients aged 80 years or younger who had been hospitalized due to acute coronary syndrome or for a myocardial revascularization procedure and interviewed 6 to 18 months later. Control of risk factors was compared between patients who participated in CR and those who did not. Propensity score matching was used to account for differences in patient characteristics between the groups. RESULTS: Of 1012 interviewed patients (28.6% women), 35.6% were referred for CR and 76.1% of them completed the program. Those referred were younger (P <0.001), employed (P <0.001), have presented with ST­ segment elevation myocardial infarction (P <0.001), had hypertension (P <0.001), and were current smokers (P <0.001). Logistics regression revealed that patients who participated in CR were more likely to stop smoking (odds ratio [OR], 2.42; 95% CI, 1.33-4.14), achieve acceptable glucose control (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.02-2.83), and better quality of life (ß = 0.12; 95% CI, 0.00-0.24) compared with those who did not participate in CR. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac rehabilitation is moderately effective if performed only once and without a continuous support program. Further efforts to increase referrals for CR in patients with IHD must be accompanied by a long­ term strategy to sustain the beneficial effects.

Impact of diabetes mellitus on in-hospital mortality in adult patients with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread worldwide since the beginning of 2020, placing the heavy burden on the health systems all over the world. The population that particularly has been affected by the pandemic is the group of patients suffering from diabetes mellitus. Having taken the public health in considerations, we have decided to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of diabetes mellitus on in-hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19. METHODS: A systematic literature review (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane) including all published clinical trials or observational studies published till December 10, 2020, was performed using following terms "diabetes mellitus" OR "diabetes" OR "DM" AND "survival" OR "mortality" AND "SARS-CoV-2" OR "COVID-19". RESULTS: Nineteen studies were included out of the 7327 initially identified studies. Mortality of DM patients vs non-DM patients was 21.3 versus 6.1%, respectively (OR = 2.39; 95%CI: 1.65, 3.64; P < 0.001), while severe disease in DM and non-DM group varied and amounted to 34.8% versus 22.8% (OR = 1.43; 95%CI: 0.82, 2.50; P = 0.20). In the DM group, the complications were observed far more often when compared with non-DM group, both in acute respiratory distress (31.4 vs. 17.2%; OR = 2.38; 95%CI:1.80, 3.13; P < 0.001), acute cardiac injury (22.0% vs. 12.8%; OR = 2.59; 95%CI: 1.81, 3.73; P < 0.001), and acute kidney injury (19.1 vs. 10.2%; OR = 1.97; 95%CI: 1.36, 2.85; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings, we shall conclude that diabetes is an independent risk factor of the severity of COVID-19 in-hospital settings; therefore, patients with diabetes shall aim to reduce the exposure to the potential infection of COVID-19.

Smoking cessation in patients with established coronary artery disease: data from the POLASPIRE survey.

BACKGROUND: Smoking cessation in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is related to decreased risk of cardiovascular events. AIMS: To evaluate factors related to persistent smoking in patients with established coronary artery disease. METHODS: Patients aged 80 years or younger and hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome or a myocardial revascularization procedure were interviewed 6 to 18 months after the recruiting event. Medical history, smoking behavior, and exposure to environmental smoke were assessed during the interview. Self--reported smoking status was validated by carbon monoxide in exhaled air measurement. Persistent smoking was defined as smoking at the time of interview among those who smoked during the month prior to the recruiting event. RESULTS: We analyzed the data of 1034 patients, including 764 (73.9%) who reported smoking at any time in the past and 296 (28.6%) who smoked within 1 month before the recruiting hospitalization. At the time of the interview, the overall smoking rate was 17.2%, whereas 54.7% of patients were persistent smokers. Secondhand smoke exposure and duration of smoking were associated with lower likelihood whereas older age, high socioeconomic status, cardiac rehabilitation following a cardiovascular event, and consultation with a cardiologist were associated with higher likelihood of smoking cessation. CONCLUSIONS: Over half of all smokers hospitalized for CAD are still smoking 6 to 18 months after discharge. Older age, secondhand smoking, low socioeconomic status, lack of consultation with a cardiologist, and cardiac rehabilitation following hospitalization were related to persistent smoking. Our findings may help develop strategies aimed at assisting smoking cessation in patients with CAD.

Clinical features of neurological patients with coronavirus 2019: an observational study of one centre.

BACKGROUND: Since the emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) in Wuhan, China, it has been extensively studied by many scientists. Susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection is shown by people of all ages, especially those with different comorbidities. Our goal was to describe the clinical characteristics, treatment, course, and outcome of COVID-19 in patients with pre-existing neurological disorders. METHOD: We retrospectively studied 70 patients with COVID-19 and previous neurological diseases who were treated in the Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration from 16 March to 15 June 2020. Demographic data, symptoms, image data, laboratory results, treatment methods and results, clinical signs and symptoms of patients hospitalised due to CNS diseases with COVID-19 were collected. RESULTS: The average age of hospitalised patients was 72, and the majority (63%) were women (44/70). The most common neurological disease was dementia, which was present in almost a third of patients (30.76%), followed by ischaemic stroke (24.61%). Chest imaging showed the presence of interstitial changes in 47% (33) of patients. Laboratory tests revealed increased total blood cells, increased levels of C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, D-dimers, liver indicator markers and IL-6 in the most severely affected patients. The treatment of patients was focused on monitoring their clinical condition, and supporting respiratory inefficiency with passive oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation. According to the guidelines of the Hospital Therapeutic Committee, pharmacological treatment (Arechin®, Kaletra®) was introduced in cases without contraindications. In patients with moderate COVID-19, antimalarial or antiviral agents were applied (78%). 30% of our observed patients died during the hospitalisation. CONCLUSIONS: We studied a select group of patients (elderly, with comorbidities, and moderate or severe COVID-19 course). Pre-existing neurological disorders were additionally associated with a poorer prognosis and a high fatality rate (30%). Dementia and CNS vascular disorder were the most frequent pre-existing neurological conditions. The neurological symptoms of COVID-19 were various. We observed impaired consciousness, dizziness, headache, nausea, myalgia, psychomotor agitation and slowness, delirium, and psychoses. Further analysis is needed to elucidate the incidence of COVID-19 neurological complications.